Extortion group suspected in Philippines bombing that wounded 9

Kidapawan: An official says a powerful blast that wounded nine people near a public market in the southern Philippines was most likely the work of a notorious extortion gang led by former Muslim militants.

Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco said on Monday he received a cell phone text message warning of an imminent attack from a suspected member of the Al-Khobar group before a homemade bomb exploded on an overpass late Sunday, wounding nine people in southern Kidapawan city.

The blast damaged the concrete overpass and shattered the glass panes of nearby stores. Soldiers and police cordoned off the area and intensified patrols.

The bomb appeared to have been left by a man who was seen crossing the overpass with a bag.

Gantuangco said that moments after he passed, a loud blast rocked the area.