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Wednesday, January 10, 2007
6 killed in GenSan bomb blast
By Edwin G. Espejo
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (Updated 8:38 p.m.) -- At least six people, including a five-year-old boy, were killed when a powerful bomb exploded in front of the public market Wednesday night sending new wave of fear among residents here.
The blast tore apart a lotto outlet along Santiago Blvd. where a still unidentified suspect detonated the improvised explosive device.
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The explosion also injured 22 people. Police said three people died instantly and another two succumbed to wounds. Staff at the St. Elizabeth Hospital in the city reported another person dead on arrival, bringing the death toll to six.
Joint Task Force Gensan chief Menard Geslani of the Philippine Army said they still do not have any suspect in the bomb attack, the first in the city since a similar terrorist attack also killed two people on February 14, 2005 at the driveway of Gaisano mall here.
But sources from the intelligence community said the Indon-based Jemaah Islamiyah terror group could be behind the attack.
The identities of the fatalities were withheld by authorities pending further verification.
But the two women who died on the spot were still in the blast scene as of press time.
The body of one of the victims was cut into half by the powerful blast, which was heard several kilometers away.
Mayor Pedro 'Jun' Acharon, who immediately rushed to the scene, blamed the attack on terrorist groups who have been targeting the city. (Sun.Star General Santos)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Bacolod. (January 10, 2007 issue)
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