Two explosions rock Lanao del Norte towns

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Explosions rocked two towns in Lanao del Norte on Tuesday afternoon, but the military did not say the blasts are necessarily related to the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law to be held in some areas on Wednesday.

The 1st Infantry Division (Tabak), which includes the province in its area of operations, said no casualties were reported in the separate explosions that hit the towns of Lala and Kauswagan.

Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, division commander and also head of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao), said the situation remains under control and called on residents not to panic.

The first explosion occurred around 4:35 p.m. in front of a gasoline station in Lala town and it was succeeded by another one behind the municipal hall of Kauswagan town around 4:50 p.m.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Sedano, commanding officer of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade, said police Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel are trying to determine the kind of explosive used in the bombings.

He said the police are also investigating and gathering data to determine who is behind the attacks.

No has one claimed responsibility for the blasts yet.

Murillo encouraged the people to participate in the plebiscite Wednesday while assuring the people of tight security.

"Everything is under control and we encourage everyone not to panic and exercise their right to vote. Rest assured that the Tabak troopers and PNP will respond to any eventualities that will emerge during and after the BOL election," Murillo said.