Southern Philippines' city placed on alert following grenade blast

Manila: Security services in Iligan City were placed on alert Sunday several hours after an explosion killed three people and injured at least 20 others near a videoke bar.

A blast, said to have been caused by a fragmentation grenade, took place near the El Centro KTV bar located near the Northern Mindanao city's main thoroughfare, Roxas Avenue around 7:57 pm, reports reaching Manila said.

Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson said the blast initially killed two persons. A separate report by the station Bombo Radyo said a third victim expired later as a result of wounds from the blast,

Philippine National Police Spokesman Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr said that authorities have sealed entry and exit points to the city as part of heightened security measures.

The fatalities had been identified as Jonel Dumalagang and Djay Jangad. Both expired while undergoing emergency treatment at the Iligan City Hospital.

Cabangbang said they are trying to confirm reports that the blast has something to do with a conflict between two rival clans in Lanao del Norte.

He said that their initial investigations dismiss the likelihood was terrorism related.

Similar attacks had taken place in the past in Iligan in 2009 and 2010 that injured several people.

The attack Saturday evening took place at a bar frequented by youths.