(Eagle News)–A second blast rocked Isulan in Sultan Kudarat on Sundy, Sept. 2, leaving at least one dead and several injured.
Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said the incident took place past 7 p.m., in Rrenz Internet Cafe at the corner of Valencia and Valdez Streets in Barangay Kalawag 2, based on a report to him.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sunday’s bombing, but authorities’ suspicion immediately fell on the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
“It is the BIFF who is responsible,” Army General Cirilito Sobejana told AFP. “This group is out to sow chaos.”
The mayor’s office of Isulan and the military said one person was killed in the bombing and 15 were wounded, four of whom were in critical condition.
But Albayalde said that of the 14 victims, an 18-year-old was killed in the blast.
The police have identified some of the injured as Kyle Solis, Paul Leterero, Dave Leliza, Jerson Bucoy, Marialyn Luda, Raymart Agac Ac, Ivan Letrero, Rowe John Kinazo, Rosalie Pagulidan, Joshua Sumblingo, Fred Casamayor, Jane Allaga Pequerda and Timothy Falcis Pequerda.
Albayalde said he has ordered tight security on the ground.
The recent blasts follow President Rodrigo Duterte’s government signing the Bangsamoro Organic Law to create greater autonomy for the Muslim minority in the south.
Authorities have expressed worry the law could encourage some militant factions to attack in an effort to derail the peace efforts.
Duterte put Mindanao under martial rule until the end of this year after pro-IS militants seized the southern city of Marawi last year. With a report from AFP
