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| Southeast Asia |
| Blast hits Philippines market |
| 2003-07-10 |
| At least five people are reported to have been killed and about 20 injured in a blast in a crowded market in the Philippines. The casualties in the city of Koronadal include a number of children, military spokesman Daniel Lucero told the Associated Press news agency. President Gloria Arroyo condemned what she called a "terroristic act", her spokesman said. No group has said it carried out the bombing in the predominantly Christian city of about 780,000 people, but the Muslim separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front is active in the region. That’s my guess. Ten people were killed by a bomb in the city in May which was blamed on the MILF rebels. This latest attack took place on the eve of an annual city festival. Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye said investigations were under way to determine who was behind the blast. He said the attack should not affect peace talks taking place between the government and the MILF, who have been fighting for Muslim self-rule in the southern region of Mindanao for more than 30 years. Can’t let a few bodies get in the way of peace. Rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu denied his group was responsible for Thursday’s blast. "We highly condemn this act. This is entirely unacceptable to the MILF," Mr Kabalu told the French news agency AFP. "We have no reason to do something like this," he said, referring to the ongoing peace process. "We was framed!" |
| Posted by:Steve |