Bomb hurts 18 in Philippines

Militant involvement, extortion suspected in southern town attack

ManIla: A bomb injured at least 18 people in a southern Philippine town in an attack believed to be either an extortion attempt or retaliation by Muslim militants targeted in recent military offensives, officials said.

Regional army commander Maj Gen Cirilito Sobejana yesterday said the bomb went off outside a small restaurant in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarant province.

Unidentified people had recently tried to extort money from the restaurant owner, who refused to pay up, he said.

The attack also may have been carried out by Muslim militants belonging to the Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters who have been targeted by military offensives, Sobejana said.

The explosion injured at least 18 people, including children, and damaged chairs and tables and scattered broken glass and other debris over the floor of the restaurant.

“The owner received an extortion letter last week but it was not reported to authorities.

“The ultimatum (to pay) is this week,” Sobejana said.

Isulan in Sultan Kudarat province has been hit by bombings by suspected Muslim militants recently despite tightened security in a region where the government and the largest Muslim rebel group are implementing a Muslim autonomy deal.

About 12,000 fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are to be demobilised under the peace accord brokered by Malaysia starting this year.

The Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters and smaller groups aligned with the Islamic State group reject the peace deal and have vowed to continue fighting government forces.