At least 18 hurts during X'mas eve blast in Midsayap

By: Becky D. de Asis

Cotabato City, Philippines (The Redline News Philippines) – At least 18 wounded during  Christmas eve  grenade blast outside the catholic church in Midsayap, North Cotabato said police.

Police Superintendent Bernard Tayong, Chief of police said  that the blast occured towards the  police car outside the church and wounding at least 18 churchgoer including one 1(1) police officer.

The blast occurred about 30 meters or (98 feet) away from the church entrance.

Superintendent Romeo Galgo, regional police spokesman said that the blast was caused by an unspecified explosives device, he confirmed.

The explosion damages the police car and a pickup truck parked nearby church, police added.

Sources from Midsayap Municipal Peace and Order Council said that the target of the grenade attack was a police car parked near the entrance of the church.

               

Investigators said two men riding a motorcycle together perpetrated the bombing.

The victims were;  SPO4 Johnny Caballero, Roger Pedrosa, Ronald Celis, Chesser Rosete, Jofer Asis, Arnel Silvano, Jenelyn Silvano, Ejimar Loquiz, Princess Capunday, Jessa Mae Banlawi, Little Joy Singco, Jonel Orquiola, Kent Steven Pacquiao, Arissen Bagot and Ronald Duga, and 2 unidentified.

The victims  were immediately rushed to different hospitals by responding policemen and barangay officials in Midsayap.

Malacañang statement said ,  the total number of the injured at 18. It said 3 of the injured were admitted to the Anecito T. Pesante Sr Memorial Hospital , while 2 are at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center and 1 is at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. The 12 others are outpatients.

"During the visit, the President personally handed over an envelope containing financial assistance to the 15 survivors present in the hospital," said Malacañang, without disclosing the amount of the aid.

"The Chief Executive also promised the survivors a full payment to the hospital and outpatient expenses," the Palace added. (By: Becky D. de Asis- The Redline News Philippines)