11 wounded in twin blasts in Zambo City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – At least 11 people were wounded when two bombs went off almost simultaneously shortly past noon yesterday as this southern port city was celebrating its weeklong Hermosa Festival, authorities said.

The first explosion occurred at a cockpit in Barangay San Roque at around 12:25 p.m. yesterday, while the other explosion hit a two-story pension house near a transport terminal in Barangay Guiwan at around 12:30 p.m., according to security officials.

Col. Buenaventura Pascual, Task Force Zamboanga chief, said the victims included at least six people, mostly visiting boxers from other towns competing in a tournament today, who were billeted at the Red Palm Pension House.

They were identified as Jimboy Bantisel, Marvin Artes, both of Maranding, Lanao del Norte; Gerome Tuyor, of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte; Jeffrey Jimenez, of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur; Ronnie Munding, of Lanao del Norte; and Christopher de los Reyes.

Those injured at the San Roque cockpit were identified as Ricky Gaganacrus, Marlon Candido, Crisaldo de la Peña, Ike Castiri, and Eddiron Sandoval. 

Dr. Rodelyn Agbulos, city health officer, said all the victims are safe as most of them just suffered slight injuries.

“The incidents were very unfortunate. This is a very despicable act. We condemned this act,” City Mayor Celso Lobregat said. 

Lobregat could not immediately say if the twin bombings were aimed at sabotaging the festivities.

“But I don’t want to discount any possibility; they might be related,” Lobregat said.

Senior Inspector Cesar Memoracion, chief of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, said they were still trying to determine what type of bombs was used. “But definitely, it is an improvised explosive device,” he said.

Lobregat immediately convened the City Peace and Order Council to review the local security plan and assess the results of the police investigations.