3 hurt in grenade explosion in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - At least three laborers, including a woman, were injured when a fragmentation grenade exploded Sunday morning in Malamawi Island off Isabela City, Basilan province, a police official said.

Superintendent Albert Larubis, Isabela City Police Station chief, identified the wounded victims as Alsibar Usman, 23, married; Soraida Usman, 38; and Ridzman Usman, 20 years old, all residents of sitio Parola, Barangay Marang-marang, Malamawi Island and workers of a certain Jundam Yusop.

The victims sustained shrapnel wounds in the different parts of their bodies and were rushed to the hospital in okthe mainland of Isabela City, Basilan for treatment.

Police said the victims were loading sacks of beach sand for trading when a Alsibar Usman saw a fragmentation grenade rigged among the sacks of sand.

According to the police, the victim pulled out the grenade, but it exploded.

Larubis said police investigation further disclosed that the grenade's was already probably unlocked.

The police suspect the incident could be related to a  business rivalry.