S. Kudarat mayor hurt in blast

COTABATO CITY, Philippines   â€“ The mayor of Lebak town in Sultan Kudarat was wounded when a powerful explosion ripped through the municipal hall yesterday morning, police said.

Authorities said Mayor Dionisio Besana was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Initial investigation showed an improvised explosive device was used in the bombing that occurred at around 10 a.m.

A senior official of the Eastern Mindanao Command said intelligence operatives of the 1st Marine Brigade based in Lebak were helping the local police investigate the incident.