A New Year celebration turned violent after a suspected grenade exploded shortly after midnight in Barangay Dalapitan, Matalam, North Cotabato injuring at least 22 people, police said.
Initial investigation showed that the explosion happened past 12 a.m., alarming residents in the area. The injured were immediately taken to various hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities released an initial list of those injured, identified as Khriell Marco Alejo, Zyrelle John A. Dafielmoto, Shyro Kian Ferolino, Mark Ethan Tejero, Rommel Ventura, Al Ivan Alejo, Cedrick Rom Alejo, Jonrel Yturalde, Ronald Alejo, Lane Blanco, Nane Blanco, Janrey Bisilo, Miredina Panagiton, Varlito Andia, Kyle Santillan, Sanny Santillian, Renz Delo Santos, Julius Niadas, Julius Batawan and Rayan Santillian.
Most of the victims are residents of Purok Ipil-Ipil in Barangay Dalapitan and Purok 1-A and Tibao in Matalam.
Investigators said two male suspects, riding a motorcycle without a license plate, were seen fleeing the scene shortly after the explosion.
In an update, police confirmed that the suspect behind the grenade attack was killed during a police operation conducted. In an interview with Brigada Cotabato, Lt. James Warren Caang, spokesperson of the North Cotabato Police Provincial Office, identified the suspect as Hamad Ansa, a resident of Barangay Kilada, Matalam.
Police said the explosion involved an MK2 grenade and occurred during New Year celebrations. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and to establish whether the suspect had accomplices.
