Seven civilians injured in S. Philippine grenade attack

Seven civilians were injured after an unidentified man exploded a grenade against a military truck in south Philippine province of Sulu Tuesday morning, said security officials.

The explosion occurred about 7:15 a.m. local time along Scott Road fronting Hadji Buto School of Arts and Trade (HBSAT) in the city of Jolo, said Roy Vincent Trinidad, deputy commander of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta.

Police and military investigation disclosed unidentified suspect lobbed the grenade towards a passing military truck ferrying troopers but missed its target.

Trinidad said the grenade missed the primary target and exploded near the group of bystanders and wounded seven civilians.

The suspects quickly escaped on board a motorcycle towards Patikul town, an area known to have strong presence of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

He said police could not immediately ascertain motive of the attack but believed the primary target was the troops aboard the mini truck of the military patrolling the area.

The authorities said no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Enditem