KITANGO, Datu Saudi Ampatuan (MindaNews/29 June) – A 65-year old tobacco vendor and a 25-year old gasoline retailer were killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near the road in front of a bakery/coffee shop here at around 6:15 a.m. Monday. Eight others were injured, including a 13 year old boy. The explosion in front of Bai Lanang Bakery and Coffee Shop, triggered the evacuation of residents to their relatives’ houses a few kilometers away.
Killed were Malempanuk Nunokan, 65, a tobacco vendor, and Thong Hadji Omar, 25, a gasoline retailer.
Wounded were Hadji Mansor Haj Radzak, 80; Toto Mamansual, 45; Kenong Dumag, 30; Moren Musa, 42, Hadji Fatima Had Kaka and her husband Ibno Abdulkadir, 55; Hadj Akas Guiamblang, 61; and Naima Omar. 13.
The explosive was placed in a trash can made out of half a gasoline drum. The blast also destroyed the store’s signage made of tin.
Sittie Kulafong, 40, rode a tricycle with her five children and some basic needs. She told reporters they were going to spend a few days with relatives a few kilometers away and would come back when it is “safe.”
For now, she said, “takot kami” (we’re afraid).
Sittie said that since August last year, the start of the renewed skirmishes between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), they have been evacuating and returning to their village “marami nang beses” (several times now).
Army operatives said a second IED was found across the street and that the IED was with members of the Explosives and Ordnance Disposal team. They were reportedly looking for a third IED but residents and onlookers, including reporters, were not barred from milling around.
Even the blast site was not cordoned off and evidences left on the ground.
On Saturday, an IED exploded inside a plastic trash can near a post in the bus terminal in Tacurong City, injuring nine persons. Initial reports said the bomb was fashioned out of an 81-mm mortar but a visit at the blast site Sunday showed the post was not destroyed. Tiny holes were found on the GI sheet roofing of the terminal. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
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