7 hurt in North Cotabato grenade attacks

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Seven persons were wounded in separate grenade explosions that occurred in Cotabato City and Kabacan town, both in North Cotabato, on Saturday.

Authorities expressed belief there was no connection between the two incidents.

Superintendent Bernard Tayong, spokesperson for the North Cotabato police, said five villagers were wounded in the Kabacan bombing.

The victims, identified as Rosalie Parenas, 36; Berlie Baluyot, 46, and minors Gerardo Moya, Johaina Alon and John Opena were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Local officials said one of two men on a motorcycle hurled a grenade at the victims, who were standing near a market on Malvar street.

It was the second grenade attack in the town within three days.

Meanwhile, two residents were wounded in a similar attack that occurred near the intersection of Sinsuat Avenue and Rosales street in Cotabato City.

The grenade exploded near a truck and a vehicle with soldiers on board.

Witnesses said two suspicious-looking men were seen near the area shortly before the explosion.

The names of the wounded victims were not immediately available.