POLICE probe a grenade explosion in Maguindanao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of VM Hadji Oping Ampatuan)
DAVAO CITY – Two soldiers and three civilians were injured in a grenade explosion in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao del Sur province on Saturday morning, July 18.
Police said soldiers from 4th Scout Ranger Company of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion onboard two KM trucks were on enroute to Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat province when two unidentified suspects tossed a grenade on the road.
The victims sustained shrapnel wounds and taken to the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town, Maguindanao del Sur.
Investigators recovered a grenade lever at the blast site.
Shariff Aguak Vice Mayor Hadji Oping Ampatuan said the explosion occurred in front of a masjid near the roundabout of the town center.
Ampatuan said police are conducting follow-up investigation.
“Kasalukuyang nagsasagawa na ng masusing imbestigasyon ang ating kapulisan upang matukoy ang sanhi ng pagsabog. Nananawagan kami sa lahat na manatiling kalmado at makipagtulungan sa mga awtoridad. Umasa lamang sa mga opisyal na anunsyo mula sa LGU at PNP,” the vice mayor said.
(Police are thoroughly investigating the incident. We are appealing to the people to remain calm and cooperate with authorities. Follow only official announcements from the LGU and PNP)