1 dead, 32 hurt in Zambo bus bombing

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An improvised bomb exploded in a passenger bus here yesterday, killing at least one person and wounding 32 others.

The fatality, who has yet to be identified, was a female student, said Superintendent Diomarie Albarico, Zamboanga City station 11 commander.

The wounded, two of whom suffered serious injuries, were brought to the Zamboanga City Medical Center and Brent Hospital. The youngest victim is one year old.

Chief Inspector Joel Tuttuh, city police spokesman, said the bomb exploded at 2:15 p.m. in a D’ Biel bus with body number 1641 and plate number JVN 978 at a terminal along Tomas Claudio street in Barangay Zone 1 near the old public market.

“The bus had just arrived and the passengers have alighted when the bomb exploded,” Tuttuh told The STAR.

He said the bus conductor told police the bus came from Barangay Labuan, adding he could not recall any suspicious person among the passengers.

The explosion blew off the roof, windshields and interior of the bus.

Initial reports by the explosives ordnance and disposal unit showed ammonium nitrate fuel oil was used in the attack.

Superintendent Ariel Huesca, commander of the police public safety company, said seven persons were held for questioning.

Col. Arthur Biyo, commander of Task Group Zamboanga, said troops and K9 units were deployed to the area.