The number of fatalities in the M’lang, North Cotabato market blast climbed to four after three of the wounded died while being treated at the M’lang District Hospital on Thursday, authorities said.
Thirty-six others remain in the wounded list following the blast that happened at about 3:45 p.m. at a fruit stand just outside of the M’lang Public market on Wednesday.
Authorities said that they have yet to determine the group responsible for the explosion, but the military is eyeing the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) as behind the blast.
The M’lang market blast is the second bombing incident following the November 23 explosion also triggered by an improvised explosive device which the suspects left inside a bag and placed near the billiard hall. The explosion left two people dead.
Barangay Poblacion chairman Rafael Porras said most of the wounded were rushed to the Mlang’s Doctor Hospital and Mlang District Hospital, while some were brought to Kidapawan City for treatment.
The victims suffered deep shrapnel wounds from nails and steel objects placed inside the IED.
M’lang Mayor Joselito Pinol has condemned the attack, saying that it was an act of evil people out to sow fear.
Pinol said local government employees and owners of private vehicles brought the wounded to the hospitals.
Initial investigation showed that the IED was placed by still unidentified suspects a few meters near the entrance of the public market where people were buying fruits in time for the New Year celebration.
Before the blast, witnesses saw two men leaving on board a motorcycle near the scene of incident. The explosion killed two persons on the spot.
Combined police and army forces have beefed up security in North Cotabato especially in populated centers to prevent a recurrence of the bombing incident.