A member of the Barangay Peace Action Team (BPAT) was injured after a hand grenade was thrown at the dump truck they were riding along a national highway in Barangay Manubuan, Matalam, Cotabato, early afternoon Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
The injured BPAT member was identified as Danny Villanueva, 36, a resident of Barangay Estado, Matalam. He sustained injuries to his face following the incident, authorities said.
Initial reports stated that around 18 BPAT members were onboard a dump truck returning from a local government unit activity in Matalam when the attack happened. As the vehicle reached Purok 3 in Barangay Manubuan, a motorcycle carrying two individuals approached the truck.
One of the motorcycle riders reportedly threw a hand grenade toward the dump truck. The explosive struck Villanueva on the face but was deflected and fell outside the vehicle before detonating on the ground.
Authorities said the outcome prevented more serious injuries or possible fatalities among the BPAT members riding the truck.
Personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team of North Cotabato conducted an examination of the scene and recovered disintegrated metal fragments. The fragments were confirmed to have come from a hand grenade.
Law enforcement officials said an investigation is ongoing to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind the attack. No arrests have been reported as of this writing.
Authorities have not released further details while the probe continues.
