2 dead, 11 hurt in Basilan explosion

MANILA, Philippines - Two persons were killed while 11 others were injured in an explosion in front of an eatery in Isabela City in Basilan Saturday night.

Police said only one of the two fatalities—Alnisal Alonto, 44, had so far been identified.

But there were conflicting reports as to what may have caused the explosion. Police Senior Superintendent Alexis Linesis said a cooking gas cylinder exploded, while Director Felicisimo Khu, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Western Mindanao said a homemade bomb caused the blast.

Khu, citing the information he got from Isabela City Mayor Cherry Akbar said the explosion took place outside Mon’s Kitchenette at the corner of Alano and Valderosa streets in Isabela City, Basilan.

He said the explosion happened about 40 meters away from Isabela Church.

A company of Special Forces led by Captain Erlito Roldan was immediately dispatched to cordon off the area and assist in the investigation.

Security officials have been on alert in predominantly Muslim Basilan following a series of bombings and kidnappings blamed on the Abu Sayyaf extremist group.  – With Roel Pareño, AP