Eight hurt in IED explosion in General Santos City

(Eagle News)—Eight people were hurt after an improvised explosive device exploded in General Santos on Sunday, Sept. 16.

The victims in the blast  at a pharmacy near Hadano Park in the National Highway, were identified as Marlon Orabia, 30; Jerry Guyos, 19; Felipa Regidor, 64; Lally Jean Alipio, 34; John Calang, 22; Claire Uozolam, 24;  Joana Alipio,3; and Jeslly Yvonne Guyos.

The police said based on witnesses, two men were behind the incident, which Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde described the latest act of terrorism.

“I have once again strongly directed our police units in SOCSARGEN to further intensify conduct of checkpoints, police visibility patrols, and focused intelligence and law enforcement operations in close coordination with the rest of the members of the security sector,” Albayalde said.

The blast took place after blasts in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Aug. 28 and Sept. 2 claimed the lives of at least five people.

Authorities blamed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for the attacks.