KIDAPAWAN CITY – Two people were killed while four others, including a six-year-old girl, were wounded when a hand grenade exploded inside a house in Poblacion, Kabacan in North Cotabato around 6 p.m. Thursday, police reports said.
Superintendent Joseph Semillano, Kabacan police chief, identified the fatalities as Bashir Taba and a certain Misuari, both residents of Purok Krislam in Poblacion.
Those hurt were Johaybin Badal, 6; Benzar Guiamalon; Jemar Suelo; and Mudsing Guiamalon, all residents of Mantawil Street, Poblacion. They were taken to the Kabacan Medical Specialist Hospital in Kabacan town for treatment.
Reports said the blast occurred inside the house of a certain Max Badal while a birthday party was being held.
Accordingly, the victims — Misuari and Bashir — were playing with the grenade while everyone was busy preparing for the celebration inside Badal’s house.
Police are still clueless as to how the victims got hold of the explosive or if it belonged to one of them.
The blast occurred a day after bomb experts successfully detonated an improvised explosive device in Cotabato City, some 150 kilometers north of Kabacan town.
The IED, fashioned from an M203 grenade with a mobile phone attached to it, was placed inside a baggage left by still unidentified guest in an inn, reports said. — RSJ
