1st Ld: 3 Killed in Bomb Blast in Southern Philippines

1st Ld: 3 killed in bomb blast in southern Philippines

MANILA, May 18 (Xinhua) — At least three people were reported killed and 20 others wounded after a bomb exploded Friday noon in a bus terminal in Cotabato City, southern Philippines, said police.

Police said terrorists set off the bomb tucked in a bag they left at the gate of Weena Bus Lines terminal in Cotabato City, hitting many passengers out to board buses at the station.

Investigators, however, also looked into the involvement of other criminal elements who used to extort money from Weena Bus Lines in the past.

Police said the explosion took place at 1100 a.m. local time ( 0300 GMT) caused panic in the area around the blast as the injured have been rushed to hospitals.

Philippine police have warned recently that terrorists will strike the southern Mindanao region around the time of mid-term elections held early this week.

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