COTABATO CITY -- A total of 16 midnight mass churchgoers, including a policeman and a three-year-old child, were hurt as a grenade exploded outside a Catholic church on Saturday night, December 24, at the poblacion (town proper) in Midsayap, North Cotabato, some three hours before Christmas day.
Initial reports said two men aboard a motorbike hurled the grenade at a police vehicle parked just outside the church around 9:30 and hurt people hearing mass just outside the crowded church after it exploded.
Among those hurt and rushed to the Amado Hospital in the area were Senior Police Officer 4 Johny Calawigan Caballero 43, Ejimar Bargaso loques, 22, Princess Nicole Capundog 3, Jessa Mae Banlawi 19, Little Joy Costales Singco 33, Jonel Rillo Orquiola 14, and Kent Steven Robles, 16.
Those brought to the local Pesante Hospital were Regor Pedrosa, Ronaldo Soles, Cheyserr Mae Rosete, Jofer Asis, and also Arniel and Jennilyn, both surnamed Silvano.
Admitted to other hospitals in Midsayap were Arissen Bagot, 13, and Ronald Duga, 30.
Another victim, Leah Butan, who was severely hit in the right leg, was rushed to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center here in Cotabato City.
Few hour after the explosion, Kidapawan City Government in their official Facebook page said the city has deployed Philippine Army, Kidapawan Swat Team, K9 Unit, Cotabato Provincial Police and BFP in front of Our Lady of Mediatrix of All Graces.
The local government unit of Midsayap, in a statement, condemns the bombing and called it as an acts of cowardice and senseless deeds of sowing fear and terror in the hearts and minds of people.
"It is sad to note that things like these cause harm and distress to the peaceful people of Midsayap especially as we celebrate this time of joy and giving,” the statement reads.
Police has yet to determine the group responsible behind the attack.
(PNA/Sunnex)