(CNN Philippines) – A minor and two elderly women were wounded after an IED exploded late Friday night (April 3) near Zamboanga City’s Ayala Police Station.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said that the blast was not meant to disrupt the observance of Holy Week but was “related to the detention of two high-profile inmates” in the police station.
One of the inmates was identified as the son of Margani Samla alias “Bin Laden,” who was one of the top 10 most wanted criminals in the city.
“Bin Laden” is engaged in drug deal and gun-for-hire operations.
The blast wounded 14-year-old Marvin Esperat, who needed to undergo operation with his injuries which included “a gaping wound in the abdomen the size of a saucer,” the mayor described in another Facebook post.
Two other persons identified as Ofelia Eusebio, 77, and Magdalena Araneta, 61, were slightly wounded.
The three were rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center.
According to City Police Director PSSupt. Angelito Casimiro, the blast was caused by an IED placed in an abandoned Navarra vehicle.
The explosive was made of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, among other devices.
Mayor Climaco-Salazar urged residents to remain calm and report to authorities if they see suspicious items, persons or activities, and abandoned vehicles.
