1 killed, 20 wounded in North Cotabato grenade blast

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 20, 2009) – One person was killed and at least 20 others wounded in a grenade explosion Thursday in North Cotabato province in the southern Philippines, an army spokesman said.

Colonel Jonathan Ponce, of the 6th Infantry Division, said the blast occurred at around 2.10 a.m. in the village of General Luna in Carmen town.

He said a 26-year old man, Kairekay Minanga, was killed in the explosion and that at least 20 more people were wounded in the attack.

“A grenade throwing transpired in the village of General Luna resulting to the death of Kairekay Minanga, a farmer, and wounding of at least 20 people. The incident is still being investigated,” Ponce said.

But police reports said Minanga was carrying the fragmentation grenade when it exploded. (Geo Solmerano)