ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least 7 Muslim civilians were injured in a grenade attack Tuesday on an army truck in the southern Philippine town of Jolo, security officials said.
Officials said an unidentified man tossed the grenade as the military truck transporting soldiers was passing along Scott Road near Hajji Buto School of Arts and Trade.
The grenade exploded on a group of civilians. Other reports said as many as 10 people were wounded in the blast. The attacker fled after the explosion and soldiers rushed the victims to hospital while other troops and policemen pursued the grenade thrower.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The military has strongly condemned the attack, which was believed to have been carried out by the notorious rebel group Abu Sayyaf.
“We condemn this terrorist act wherein innocent civilians are the primary victims. The perpetrators must be put behind bars. We are urging the community to help law enforcers and security forces in order to achieve peace and tranquillity,” said Marine Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command.
There was no immediate statement from the town mayor Hussin Amin about the attack. The Abu Sayyaf has recently pledged allegiance to ISIS and vowed to continue its violent campaign in southern Philippines in an effort to put up a strict Islamic state in the restive region. (Mindanao Examiner)
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