(Eagle News) — At least two people were killed and 12 others–including a congressman and his wife— were injured after two grenades exploded at a public gathering in Abra early Thursday.
Chief Supt. Edward Carranza, director of the Cordillera Administrative Region, said the attack–which he said could have targeted Abra Rep. Joseph Sto. Nino Bernos and his wife, Abra Mayor Mitzie Bernos— took place around 1:30 a.m. in La Paz.
Carranza said in an interview over radio dzbb that based on initial investigation, the two grenades were thrown as people gathered to watch a fireworks display, the culminating event of the local fiesta.
The Bernos couple sustained minor injuries and have since left the hospital after treatment, Carranza said.
According to the regional director, killed were P03 Carlos Bucait and P02 Renzel Sitoyan of the Abra police who had been assigned to secure the area.
Earlier, a radio report said another two civilians, identified as 17-year-old Aira Cortez and Lazy Rose Benito, a teacher, were killed.
The other ten injured, Carranza said, also sustained only minor injuries.
Carranza said a Special Investigation Task Force has been created to look into the incident.
He noted that they were exploring all possible motives, including politics.
He said that in 2005, a politician brother of Rep. Bernos was also killed in an attack.