DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/3 March)–A laborer was injured after a grenade was thrown past 7 p.m. Tuesday at a soon-to-open fastfood branch in Barangay Malakas, Lamitan City, Basilan.
The victim, Rebel Antalas Masulog, sustained a shrapnel wound, while the explosion damaged a glass window and part of a concrete wall.
Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay said CCTV footage showed an unidentified man in a hooded jacket on a motorcycle throwing the grenade, which exploded near the take-out counter.
Furigay dismissed Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) involvement, noting Lamitan was declared ASG-free by the military in June 2025. He speculated the attack was meant to disrupt the area.
Brigadier General Frederick Sales, Commander of the 1101st Army Brigade, suggested the perpetrator may have intended to harass the franchisee, with no evidence of extortion.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspect. The fastfood outlet, Lamitan City’s first, is set to open on March 7. Sales recommended proceeding with the opening despite the incident. (Queenie Casimiro/MindaNews)
