Asia-Pacific

US envoy cancels Asia trip after bomb attack

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-08-06 10:45

COTABATO, Philippines - US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas, Jr. has canceled his scheduled visit to Zamboanga city after the bomb explosion outside an airport terminal in the city on Thursday evening.  

"I deplore this heinous crime that victimized ordinary travelers. Our condolences to the innocent deceased and wounded victims of this brutal attack. We would like to extend our admiration to local authorities and the Philippine National Police (PNP) who moved swiftly to aid persons wounded by the blast," US Ambassador said in a statement.

"The United States stands ready to offer any assistance requested by Philippine authorities so that those responsible may swiftly be brought to justice. The United States stands with the Filipino people, who work every day to enhance their peace and security," Thomas said.

The death toll of the bomb explosion in Zamboanga reached two, and the number of injured also climbed to 24, including a governor.

Abdusakur Tan, governor of southern province of Sulu who only sustained minor injuries, told reporters he was the target in the attack as he received threats before.

Benjamin Dolorfino, regional military commander, said Friday Hatamil Yacub Harun, one of those wounded in the blast died despite of all rescue efforts at Brent Hospital in Zamboang City.

He said the other fatality, Reynaldo Apelado, died on the spot. He was believed to be the bomber.

There was no intelligence report about possible attacks by suspected Al-Qaida linked militants in the past few weeks, the military said.

The bombing outside Zamboanga International Airport occurred shortly after 6:00 pm  Witnesses said that a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight from Manila has just arrived and passengers were coming out when the blast happened.

Filipino bomb experts are still trying to determine the kind of explosive.

The airport is just near the headquarters of US troops helping Philippines in anti-terror drive in the south.  About 500 US Special Forces troops train Filipino soldiers in Mindanao to combat militants from the Al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group, which the United States lists as a terrorist organization.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack but Philippine troops blamed Abu Sayyaf militants playing a role in previous incidents in the south.