ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Suspected rebels set off a bomb and tried to blow up a bridge Thursday night in Buug town, Zamboanga Sibugay province, according to police.
The police said no one was reported hurt in the explosion that hit the Muyo Bridge along the national highway at Barangay Muyo at about 7:45 p.m.
Police said the loud explosion triggered panic among the residents in the nearby village, who thought the explosion was caused by a rebels' attack due to the ongoing standoff in Zamboanga City between the government forces and the Nur Misuari faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The explosion also occurred while a passenger van was crossing the bridge, also scaring the passengers of the vehicle.
Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, police regional office spokesman, said initial investigation disclosed that the bomb was set off by still unidentified suspects. - Roel Pareño