Terrorists set off a bomb in a commercial alley in General Santos City Sunday, wounding seven people, including a six-year-old girl.
Initial reports said the improvised explosive device went off along the national highway in Brgy. Apopong near two pharmacies at 11:40 am.
Lt. Col. Ezra Balatgey, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the seven wounded civilians were brought to St. Elizabeth Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.
The bomb damaged one of the pharmacies and a sports utility vehicle parked nearby.
The attack comes weeks after the twin explosions in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, that left four people, including two minors, dead and wounded 35 others.
Authorities blamed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for the Sultan Kudarat attacks, although they did not say who was behind the latest blast in General Santos city.
Military and police explosives experts were investigating the site of the blast.
Police and military personnel have reinforced General Santos City to protect the public against similar attacks.
Malacañang on Sunday condemned the latest bombing.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s explosion that hit General Santos City which left scores of people injured,” said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque. “This comes at an unfortunate time when the nation is reeling from the effects of [Typhoon] Ompong.”
“Authorities are now conducting an investigation. We vow to bring the perpetrators of this brazen attack to justice,” Roque added.
Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said an improvised explosive device injured the victims including a six-year-old girl.
“I have directed the mobilization of all available police security forces in pursuit operations against persons responsible for the latest act of terrorism in General Santos City,” he said.”‹