Manila - A bus explosion in the southern Philippines killed 10 people and injured 41, authorities said on Wednesday.
The explosion occurred on Tuesday, shortly after the bus picked up passengers at the gate of Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon province.
The explosive was placed inside a sack and left in the overhead compartment at the rear of the bus, authorities said.
Investigators found pieces of mortar shell and the circuit board of a mobile phone at the blast site.
Army Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad said the type of bomb used could have been planted by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a Muslim rebel group.
“Possible suspects could be the BIFF, based on the signature of the bomb that was identified,” Baladad said.
A member of the rebel group was linked to a previous explosion on another bus from the same company.
Police are also looking at extortion as a possible motive behind the bombing.
The bus operator allegedly refused to give in to extortion demands from criminal groups.
Sapa-dpa