Vice mayor, Red Cross official hurt in bombing

..ZAMBOANGA CITY (Updated) -- Two people, including a city vice mayor, were wounded in a roadside bombing in Basilan province Thursday, the police reported. Basilan Police Director Alexander Linesis said the explosion took place around 12:20 p.m. along Isabela-Lamitan Highway in Barangay Sunrise in Isabela City. Linesis identified the victims as Isabela City Vice Mayor Abdulbaki Ajibun and Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Basilan head Jonathan Cabuyao. Investigation showed that the two officials were aboard their respective vehicles traveling to opposite directions when a bomb exploded along the side of the road, Linesis said. The motorcycle, where the bomb was planted, was destroyed while the vehicles of the two officials were slightly damaged. Ajibun, who was on his way home after attending the City Council regular session, believed he was the target of the blast. Isabela City Police Director Allan Nazarro has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the motive behind the bombing, as the blast site is just few meters away from the residence of Isabela City Mayor Cherrylyn Akbar and the City Hall. Nazarro also ordered his personnel to trace who owned the motorcycle where the bomb was placed. Security in Isabela City has been tightened as investigation over the incident continues. Colonel Arthur Ang, commander of the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade, has deployed personnel to support the police forces of Isabela City. Ang said the explosive ordnance demolition personnel, who sifted the debris from the blast site, are conducting analysis to gather clues as to who could be responsible for the blast. (Sunnex) ..