16 hurt in N. Cotabato town church attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 25): 16 hurt in N. Cotabato town church attack

A total of 16 midnight mass churchgoers, including a policeman and a three-year-old child, were hurt as a grenade exploded outside a Catholic church on Saturday night at the poblacion (town proper) in Midsayap, North Cotabato, some three hours before Christmas day.

Initial reports said two men aboard a motorbike hurled the grenade at a police vehicle parked just outside the church around 9:30 and hurt people hearing mass just outside the crowded church after it exploded.

Among those hurt and rushed to the Amado Hospital in the area were SPO4 Johny Calawigan Caballero 43; Ejimar Bargaso loques, 22; Princess Nicole Capundog 3; Jessa Mae Banlawi 19; Little Joy Costales Singco 33; Jonel Rillo Orquiola 14; and Kent Steven Robles, 16.

Those brought to the local Pesante Hospital were Regor Pedrosa; Ronaldo Soles; Cheyserr Mae Rosete; Jofer Asis; and also Arniel and Jennilyn, both surnamed Silvano.

Admitted to other hospitals in Midsayap were Arissen Bagot, 13; and Ronald Duga, 30.
Another victim, Leah Butan, who was severely hit in the right leg, was rushed to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center here in Cotabato City.

Police has yet to determine the group responsible behind the attack.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=950816