Death Toll Hits 13 in Bombing in Philippines
The death toll rose to 13 from a bomb that exploded Tuesday outside the home of a small town’s mayor, who was among the victims. Twelve other people were wounded.
The military said it suspected a Muslim separatist group, but the organization denied that it was involved.
Datu Piang Mayor Saudie Ampatuan died of injuries to his head and abdomen. A town councilor, the treasurer and a bodyguard also were among those killed, said an army spokesman, Maj. Julieto Ando.
Ando said suspicion fell on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a rebel group fighting for self-rule. The Philippines is predominantly Christian, but it has a large Muslim minority, mostly in the impoverished, isolated south.
Ando said a witness reported seeing a follower of the Islamic group planting the bomb, which was apparently a remote-controlled mortar.
But rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu denied involvement, saying the mayor had many personal and political enemies.
“There is no reason for us to do that, because the mayor is not our enemy,” Kabalu said. “In fact, many of those injured are my relatives.”
Most of the victims were Muslims.
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