Five dead in Philippines Bombing
'Pakistan Times' Wire Service

MANILA: At least five people were killed and many others were wounded when a powerful explosion tore through a van near southern Philippines city of Cotabato on Thursday, police said.

A homemade bomb was the likely cause of the blast that hit the vehicle shortly after it left a bus depot in the town of Midsayap on Mindanao island, local police chief said.

"The IED (improvised explosive device) exploded inside the van. Initial reports said at least three were killed and (many others) were wounded," the police chief said.

No motive for the attack has yet been established and no group has claimed responsibility.●