COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / July 9, 2013) – Security forces were high alert in Cotabato City in southern Philippines following two small explosions that left several people injured on the eve of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, but police said no casualties were reported.
The twin explosions occurred in downtown Cotabato, but it was unclear if the blasts were perpetrated by rebels or not. Police said one of the blast was caused by a grenade launcher that hit the roof of a small restaurant.
Just recently, a grenade exploded at a marine encampment in Cotabato City following an attack by unidentified two men riding tandem on a motorcycle.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the latest explosions, but these occurred days after rebel forces clashed with troops in Maguindanao province that left dozens of people dead and wounded on both sides.
Officials would not say whether the blasts were connected to the talks or fighting between Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and government forces. The blast also coincided with the peace talks between the Moro Islamic Liberation front and the Aquino government. (Mindanao Examiner)
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