Bicycle bomb kills nine in Philippines

on 21/01/2013 09:32:25

At least nine people were injured when a home-made bomb strapped to a bicycle exploded in a commercial area of a city in the southern Philippines, officials said today.

A car and a nearby shop were damaged in the blast in Iligan.

Authorities said a local feud or extortion may be the motive for the attack in Iligan city.

Mayor Lawrence Cruz said the bomb exploded on a pavement, injuring passers-by and damaging a car and a nearby pawnshop. He said the device was wrapped in cloth and attached to a parked bicycle.

Mr Cruz said police have strengthened security in Iligan following the attack.

Officials said investigators are trying to identify the attackers and determine the motive, including extortion by an armed gang or a local feud.

Muslim rebels were blamed for a past bomb attack in Iligan.