The aftermath of the car bombing in Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner Photo – El Dumaboc)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least 2 people were killed and over 50 others wounded when a car bomb exploded Friday in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, officials said.
Officials said the car, parked outside the Fantacy Disco near a bus depot in Guiwan village, was packed with explosives when it detonated around 3 p.m. The powerful blast sent pieces of metals and debris flying around and injuring civilians.
Initial reports said at least four dozen people have been rushed to hospital as troops cordoned off the area while policemen searched for evidence as to what type of explosives was used in the daring attack.
The attack occurred even as police and military tightened security in Zamboanga following a botched plan by Abu Sayyaf rebels to rescue imprisoned members there. At least 57 Abu Sayyaf fighters are being held at the local prison.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the latest bombing, but it also coincided with deliberations in Congress of the proposed Muslim homeland which local politicians are opposing the inclusion of Zamboanga, which was formerly under the rule of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.
More troops were deployed in Zamboanga to help local police guard the city against more terror attacks. “We have deployed soldiers in the area and tightened security around Zamboanga,” Marine aptain Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Just recently, prison guards seized 3 automatic pistols and 16 magazines loaded with bullets smuggled by female visitors inside three concrete stoves. The guns would, officials said, would be used by Abu Sayyaf prisoners to escape. (Mindanao Examiner. With a report from Ely Dumaboc)
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