8 killed in bombing attack in southern Philippines

Eight civilians were killed while more than 20 others were wounded as an improvised bomb exploded in Makilala, North Cotabato in Mindanao, southern Philippines Tuesday evening, reported the official Philippine News Agency.

Makilala Mayor Onofre Respicio said two of the victims died on the spot while six others died while being treated at hospital.

The explosive went off in front of the municipal hall in Makilala as townfolks were celebrating the culmination rites of the town's 52nd foundation anniversary, said the report.

The Makilala explosion occurred hours after another bomb exploded at the public market of Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province, also in southern Philippines' Mindanao region, in which four persons were injured.

The police in Mindanao said they had received an anonymous call over a spate of bombing that would occur in key cities of Mindanao prior to the bombing incidents in their area, according to the report.

The United States and Australia have warned of imminent terrorist attacks in Mindanao and asked their nationals to avoid traveling to the region and places frequented by foreigners in the Philippines.

The Philippine government and military recently accused the Southeast Asia-based terrorist organization, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), of training local rebel group of Abu Sayyaf on how to stage bombing attacks in Sulu, southern Philippines.

The authorities have so far not commented on who could be the perpetrator of the two bombings on Tuesday, but local police have not ruled out terrorism in these attacks.

Source: Xinhua