ONE person was wounded in a bombing incident in Koronadal City in South Cotabato on Thursday, May 26, 2022.

In a statement, the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) and 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division said the explosion happened around 12:30 p.m. in front of East West Bank, Barangay Zone 3, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

The explosives were left by an unidentified person in a public utility bust owned by the Yellow Bus Lines Incorporated.

A tricycle driver was injured in the incident and is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.

Another explosion happened at a vacant lot in Barangay New Carmen, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. No casualty was recorded in the incident.

“The PNP (Philippine National Police), AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), and LGU (local government units) are working hand in hand to manage the situation. An investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the PNP to determine the perpetrators and motives behind the two incidents. The authorities ask civilians to remain calm as the security forces are doing everything to bring the suspects to justice,” said Brigadier General Pedro Balisi, commander of 1st Mechanized Brigade.

The JTFC and 6th Infantry Division condemned the “cowardly act,” which they attributed to the terrorist group in the areas.

“Acts like these that cause harm to innocent civilians are reprehensible, wrong, and evil. The bombing incident only shows that there are people who are ruthless that we need to be wary of. We will exert efforts so that we can identify who are the perpetrators of these incidents and pursue proper actions according to law,” said Brigadier General Eduardo Gubat, Acting Division commander of 6ID and JTFC. (SunStar Philippines)