Bomb explodes in Pagadian City's Gaisano Mall

ZAMBOANGA City, Philippines - An improvised bomb exploded in Gaisano Mall's compound in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday afternoon.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesperson of the Zamboanga Peninsula police regional office, said the bomb exploded at around 3 p.m. at the mall's parking area in San Pedro District.

Huesca said no one was hurt in the explosion, but it triggered panic among the mall shoppers and residents nearby.

He said that based on initial investigations, the bomb was planted at the rear portion of a Toyota Corolla with plate number MNC 785 in the mall's parking area.

Police and military ordnance investigators said that the bomb was fashioned from an 81mm mortar ammunition. The bomb had a handheld transceiver radio, which served as the triggering device.

“The EOD (Explosve and Ordnance Division) described the bomb as a low order detonation,” Huesca said.

Police said the explosion shattered the rear luggage compartment of the car and slightly damaged another service utility vehicle with plate number UTX 850 parked in the area.

Police have yet to determine the motive behind the attack.