MALABANG, Lanao del Sur — A 22-year-old driver was injured after being struck by shrapnel from a hand grenade allegedly thrown by unidentified suspects riding a white minivan in Barangay Curahab, Malabang, on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
According to Bangsamoro Police Regional Office spokesperson Capt. Steffi Salanguit, the victim, identified only by the alias “Sali,” is a married payong-payong (motorcycle-for-hire) driver and a resident of Barangay Jose Abad Santos in the same municipality.
Initial findings from the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that the incident occurred at around 2:00 p.m. when several individuals aboard a white minivan allegedly hurled a hand grenade while passing along a road in Barangay Curahab.
The explosive detonated moments later, injuring “Sali,” who happened to be passing through the area at the time of the attack.
Police said the victim sustained a shrapnel wound on the right side of his abdomen. Responders immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have yet to release an update on his condition.
Following the explosion, the suspects fled the scene aboard the minivan and escaped in an undetermined direction, triggering an immediate police response.
The Malabang Municipal Police Station has launched a hot pursuit operation and intensified its investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Investigators are also examining whether the victim was the intended target or merely an innocent bystander caught in the blast. As of this writing, authorities have not established a motive behind the grenade attack.
The incident has raised concerns among residents over public safety, particularly as grenade-related attacks remain a serious security threat in some parts of Mindanao.
Police authorities have urged anyone with information that could help identify the suspects or the vehicle used in the attack to coordinate with law enforcement agencies.
The investigation remains ongoing.