Suspected Grenade Blast Injures Four at Basilan Gas Station

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press

Lamitan City, Basilan – Four individuals were injured following an explosion at a gasoline station in Barangay Matibay on Tuesday afternoon, June 17.

According to the Lamitan City Police Station, the blast occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. at the A.G. Gas Station located along Aguinaldo Street. A minute after the explosion, authorities received a call from Abubakar K. Gunong, the reported owner of the establishment.

Responding swiftly to the scene were operatives of the Lamitan CPS led by PLT. Marsin L. Sabaani, under the supervision of PLTCOL. Elmer P. Solon. They were joined by personnel from the Basilan Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (PECU), who immediately launched an investigation into the incident.

The injured were identified as Jamil Mataud Mahmud, 45, a construction worker from Pamaran Village, Barangay Malinis; Naim Lamla Tomas, 30, a gasoline station attendant residing along Ocampo Road, Barangay Matibay; Gunong Reyyan, 20, a student from the same area; and Mut-ab Muntasil Gunong, 23, also a gasoline boy living nearby.

All victims were initially rushed to Lamitan District Hospital for medical attention. However, due to the severity of their injuries, doctors recommended their immediate transfer to a hospital in Zamboanga City for specialized treatment.

Initial findings by PECU investigators suggest that the explosion may have been caused by a grenade or fragmentation-type explosive device. Forensic teams have recovered suspected fragments of a high-explosive (H.E.) device from the scene. Further examinations are underway to determine the exact type and origin of the explosive.

Basilan Provincial Police Director PCOL. Cerrazid A. Umabong personally conducted an on-site inspection and issued directives to investigators as part of the ongoing probe.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the incident or identify any suspects. Investigation remains active as police work to uncover all circumstances surrounding the blast.

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