4 killed, 2 injured in S. Philippine explosion

Four people, including a child, were killed and two others injured when a roadside bomb exploded in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao, military said Wednesday.

The victims were heading toward Datu Saudi Ampatuan Tuesday night when an improvised explosive device hit their vehicle near Salbu village, said Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division.

The two injured, including a 9-year old child, were immediately rushed to Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City for treatment.

Joint police and military investigation was launched to determine the motive of the incident and identify the perpetrators of the attack.

The bomb was believed to be detonated by members of bandit group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).