JTF Central commander Major General Juvymax R. Uy described the attack as an act of cowardice and unprovoked aggression targeting innocent civilians in the middle of the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Reports revealed that the Rural Transit Bus with Body No. 107381 was enroute to Dipolog City from Cotabato City when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded at the rear portion of the bus.
The attack happened while the bus was traversing along the national highway of Purok Nangka, Barangay Making, Parang, Maguindanao.
The military identified the persons injured as Fesel Culag, 40, and a resident of Cotabato City; John Paul Capio, 17; Expedito Ocay, 45; Benjamin Wahab, 32; and Pastor Bularon, 53.
Also injured was bus conductor Elgen Palma, 30 years old and a resident of Dipolog City.
Explosive Ordnance Division personnel successfully diffused a secondary IED which was placed on the opposite of the bus.
Authorities also recovered different components of the exploded IED which are vital in the ongoing investigation to identify the perpetrators responsible for the attack. Initially, EOD personnel recovered a ruptured part of the cellular phone; pieces of ruptured blasting cap, ruptured 9-volts battery, common nails, and pieces of electronic circuits.
Uy urged the security forces in Central Mindanao to be alert and vigilant always against any acts of violence and for the community to continuously report any suspicious individuals, activities, and persons in their respective areas.
Uy also called on all residents of Central Mindanao to cooperate with the government in identifying those responsible in the said bus bombing in order to preempt and thwart similar attacks against the communities and military forces.
Photos: 6th ID