Three civilians, including a three-year-old girl, were injured when explosives were thrown and shots were fired in Barangay Mother Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.

The civilians sustained injuries from the shrapnel from the explosive. They were given immediate medical attention.

Police are still investigating the incident to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive.

“Sa ngayon, patuloy na inaalam ng ating kapulisan kung sino ang may gawa nito at kung ano ang purpose nito at bakit nila ito nagawa sa nasabing lugar,” Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office Spokesperson, Capt. Guiseppe Tamayo, said.

Personnel of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team found a 40mm high explosive projectile in the area and detonated it at a blasting place, away from residents.

Police said the explosive was among those thrown by the suspects on the roof of several houses in the area. Fortunately, it did not go off.

Authorities urged residents to remain calm and assured the government is on top of the situation.

“Sa ating mga kababayan sa Shariff Aguak, manatili tayong mahinahon, makakaasa kayo na ang inyong kapulisan, katuwang ang Armed Forces of the Philippines, nagtutulungan para ma-resolve ang  pangyayari na ito,” Tamayo added.