Cotabato blast death toll climbs to 8
MANILA, Philippines - The death toll from the car bomb explosion that rocked Cotabato City yesterday afternoon has climbed to eight, authorities said on Tuesday.
Cotabato Police Director Sr. Supt. Rolen Balquin said in a television interview that the death toll includes four killed on the spot during the blast and four others who died in a hospital.
At least 17 injured have been released from the hospital while 13 remain under medication, according to the police officer.
Balquin said the investigation on the incident continues.
Police believe the bomb was rigged to a multicab parked in front of the Villa Funeral Parlor near the corner of Maniara street and Sinsuat avenue.
The bomb was set off from a distance as the convoy of Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. was passing by.
The mayor was not in the bulletproof sport utility vehicle, which stalled about five meters away from the multicab.
Inside the vehicle of the mayor was his sister Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, the city administrator. She was unharmed.
Guiani has said that she is the target of the explosion.
"Sayadi came from her office papunta sa area, parang nakatuon talaga sa kanya 'yung intention. In fact ang indicator dun ay 'yung dalawang security niya ay naging unang casualty sa explosion," said Balquin.
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