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11 dead, 21 hurt in Bukidnon bus explosion


(Updated 10:07 p.m.) Eleven people were killed while 21 others were hurt in a bus explosion in Barangay Mus-wan in Maramag town in Bukidnon past 5 p.m. Tuesday, police and military officials said.

The explosion occurred across Central Mindanao University, at a time when students were going home.

Maj. Christian Uy, public affairs officer of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, initially said that nine were killed and 17 injured were taken to the nearby Valencia hospital.

Uy later in the evening sent a text message, saying 11 have died and 21 were hurt due to the incident.

Bukidnon police spokesperson Inspector Jeselle Longakit said the bus came from Wao, Lanao del Sur, and was heading for Cagayan de Oro City.

Lt. Norman Tagros, spokesman of the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion, said soldiers were still trying to determine the motive behind the blast.

Initial investigation showed an improvised explosive device went off inside the Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. bus (2640), which plies the Cagayan de Oro City route, according to a report on "24 Oras."

Uy said authorities are still investigating as to the people or group behind the attack. “None yet, it's too early to tell,” he said, when asked on the possible suspects.

In a text message, Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said teams from the 8IB and 4th Scout Ranger Regiment have been ordered to secure the incident site and assist in the extraction of casualties in coordination with local policemen.

All patrol bases in the area were also alerted, he said.

 
Post by YouScoop.


According to Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang, soldiers were ordered to secure the incident site and assist in the extraction of casualties in coordination with the PNP Bukidnon.  Explosives and ordnance personnel were also sent to the area.

Patrol bases in the area were also placed on alert.

Second since November

It was the second bombing of a bus in Maramag town since November.

At least four people were injured following an explosion inside another RTMI bus on Nov. 6.
 
Citing field reports at that time, the Philippine National Police Operations Center said the RTMI bus was on its way to Cagayan de Oro City from Tacurong City when the explosion occured at 12:15 p.m. —Joel Locsin/NB/KBK, GMA News
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