Luggage explodes outside Philippines airbase
Updated
Three people have been killed and at least 18 others injured in an explosion in the southern Philippines.
Our reporter Shirley Esclante in Manila says the blast occurred amid preparations for local elections, and renewed skirmishes between security forces, and Islamic militants.
The explosion happened near a military air base in Zamboanga City but most of the injured were civilians.
Two of the wounded were members of a staff of Congresswoman Maria Isabel Climaco who is representing Zamboanga province.
The bombing occurred in a building housing the lawmaker's office.
A three-year-old girl was also wounded.
Police say an improvised explosive device was used in the bombing.
A comparative analysis of materials found in the scene of the explosion and those used in past bombings will be conducted to provide leads to the motive and the perpetrators.
Police are also on the look-out for the occupants of a van which witnesses say, immediately left the area after the explosion.
