Asia-Pacific News
Philippine police identify bomb used in bus attack
Jan 26, 2011, 5:20 GMT
Manila - The bomb that killed five people in an attack on a bus in the Philippine capital was similar to devices used by Muslim rebels in past attacks, police said Wednesday.
Director Nicanor Bartolome, chief of Manila police, said the bomb was made from an 81-millimetre mortar shell rigged to a mobile phone that acted as the detonator.
Bartolome said investigators have not yet identified suspects in Tuesday's bombing along the main highway in Manila's Makati City.
'An 81-millimetre mortar can be found in the military's arsenal but such an explosive has already been used in past bombing attacks in Mindanao,' he said, referring to the southern region where Islamist militants are active.
The death toll in the bombing rose to five on Wednesday after one more victim succumbed to injuries. Thirteen others were injured in the blast.
The bomb was placed under a seat in the middle of the bus, officials said.
Police stepped up security throughout Manila and increased checkpoints on major roads.
Read more about Philippines Crime
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Asia-Pacific
- 1. Chinese dissidents hail late democracy activist Fang Lizhi
- 2. China "worried" over planned North Korea rocket launch
- 3. Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi meets Karen rebels
- 4. Chinese schoolboy sells kidney to buy iPad, iPhone
- 5. Myanmar president invites Karen rebels to form party
Older Talkback
