Blast rocks front of Cotabato mall, dozens wounded

COTABATO CITY – At least a dozen people, including a four-year-old girl, were injured following an explosion in front of South Seas Mall along Don Rufino Alonzo Street here shortly before 2 p.m. Monday.

Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr., city police deputy director, said probers are still trying to determine if the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device or illegal powerful firecrackers that accidentally went off in the area.

“We saw several people wounded and being rushed to the hospital,” he said. “We are still conducting a post-blast investigation,” Galgo said.

According to Gurlie Frondoza, city tourism officer, eight of those injured were identified as Bai Sandra Ayunan, 16; Kutin Sedik, 65; Joey Api, 31; Tarhata Biruar, 43, Norlyn Biruar, 4; Marissa Torres, 49; Aida Dalandag, 58, all of Cotabato City; and also, Hamida Solaiman, 21, of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The blast came about while the mall entrance was busy for the New Year shopping rush.

Just outside the mall along Don Rufino Alonzo Street, formerly known as Magallanes Street, were vendors of firecrackers, hornpipes (tororot), toys and fruits.

Galgo said they are also trying to confirm reports of a man leaving behind a gift-wrapped box at the place of the vendors and after several minutes an explosion was heard. (PNA)

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