Bomb rips through van in southern Philippines, killing 3

Manila: A homemade bomb ripped through a commuter van in southern Philippines on Thursday, killing 3 and injuring 10, police said.

Town police chief Superintendent Chino Mamburam said the bomb in Midsayap township in North Cotabato province seemed to have been detonated remotely using a cell phone.

The blast occurred as the van was about to leave a passenger terminal.

Army Col. Pedro Soria said that troops had secured the area and were looking for clues that may lead to suspects.

The area is targeted often by extortion gangs and Muslim rebels have a presence nearby.