Market Bomb Kills 13 in Philippines

At least 13 people were killed and dozens injured yesterday when a large explosion ripped through a Christmas market in the southern Philippine city of General Santos.

Shoppers fled in panic when the apparently home-made device destroyed the stall it was thought to be hidden in and wrecked most of the surrounding area.

Three people died at the scene and 10 in hospital, said Chief Superintendent Antonio Billiones, the provincial police chief. About 50 people were taken to hospital.

"We are still investigating to determine the type and make of the explosive device used in the attack," he said.

No one claimed responsibility but the region, the island of Mindanao, 600 miles south of Manila, is home to several militant groups.

Ch Supt Billiones said intelligence had been received that the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, best known for kidnapping for ransom, was planning an attack in the city.

Other officials, led by the mayor, Pedro Acharon, sought to play down the potential terrorist link and pinned responsibility on feuding stall owners.

"We have been on alert because we learned about a plan to burn the market four days ago," he said. "This will hurt the city's efforts to attract investors and tourists."

He cited unspecified witnesses who said the explosion was caused by someone throwing a rudimentary grenade at the destroyed stall.

Unlike many parts of Mindanao, General Santos has been relatively free of violence this year.

The last major bombing in the city, which killed 15 people, was in April last year.