KIDAPAWAN CITY (November 5) — Police in North Cotabato launched a manhunt operation against two attackers responsible for the grenade attack on a roadside snack bar in the North Cotabato town of Carmen Sunday, which critically wounded two persons.
Supt. Bernard Tayong, speaking for police in North Cotabato, identified the victims as Mariel Referente, 17, student, and Jaybe Gatila, 22, both residents of Barangay Poblacion, Carmen.
Police said the victims were eating at the NR snack bar located along the highway in Poblacion Carmen around 8 p.m. when a man tossed a hand grenade that hit the back of one of the victims.
“The grenade landed under the table then went off,” Tayong said.
Witnesses said the attacker fled by mingling with the crowd and took off aboard a motorbike driven by an accomplice.
Responding village watchmen rushed the injured victims to Carmen Municipal Hospital.
Police have been provided with footage of the CCTV from the business establishment.
Tayong ruled out terrorism as possible motive behind the attack but added that police investigation is still going on. (PNA)
