Car bomb targeting Filipino Governor kills at least 1

Car bomb targeting Filipino Governor kills at least 1

2011-08-15 21:34:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (BNO NEWS) -- A car bomb that targeted a Filipino Governor blasted against a convoy, killing at least one and injuring several others, officials said Monday.

The bomb blast detonated at around 3:15 p.m. local time on the Koronadal Highway in Tacurong City in the province of Sultan Kudarat in southern Philippines, when Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu's seven-vehicle convoy passed through the area, the Philippine Star reported.

Following the blast, reports confirmed the death of Provincial Director Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele, while seven others were wounded, including provincial government officials, including Bebot Barabarang, Datu Rusman Sinsuat Sr., Datu Rusman Sinsuat Jr., Noble Abdullah, Mabang Antonio Algaba, Richard Sonza and Robert Formacion.

However, according to further reports, one of the injured later succumbed to his wounds at the Tamondong Hospital, although they have not been confirmed. In addition, 101st brigade commander Colonel Leo Ferrer said three others were in critical condition.

The explosion came from a white vehicle parked on the road, and according to initial investigations, was detonated by mobile phone modified as a trigger mechanism. The bomb was manufactured with 81 millimeter mortars.

On November 23, 2009, Mangudadatu's wife and two sisters were killed during the Maguindanao province massacre that killed 54 people.

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