Philippines rocked by four bombs

MANILA – A bomb exploded in the jittery southern Philippines but caused no injuries yesterday, amid warnings of more terrorist attacks a day after suspected al-Qaeda-linked militants detonated an explosive that killed six people.

It was the fourth bomb in the region in two days. The latest explosive device – an 81mm mortar shell – was found in front of a store and a bank in southern Cotabato city, said police senior inspector Sampson Obatay.He said a salesperson noticed a suspicious package, picked it up and threw it away before it went off.There were no casualties.Obatay blamed al-Qaeda-linked militants, saying the bomb was similar to an explosion that killed six people and wounded 29 on late Tuesday in Makilala town.Another 81 mm device was safely defused in Makilala on Wednesday, officials said.Nampa-APThe latest explosive device – an 81mm mortar shell – was found in front of a store and a bank in southern Cotabato city, said police senior inspector Sampson Obatay.He said a salesperson noticed a suspicious package, picked it up and threw it away before it went off.There were no casualties.Obatay blamed al-Qaeda-linked militants, saying the bomb was similar to an explosion that killed six people and wounded 29 on late Tuesday in Makilala town.Another 81 mm device was safely defused in Makilala on Wednesday, officials said.Nampa-AP