Six killed in plaza bomb blast in Philippines

A powerful bomb exploded in a downtown food plaza in the southern port city of Zamboanga today, killing at least six people and injuring 53, officials said.

The bomb, concealed in a bag, rocked the crowded open-air market of small eateries and pubs. Some people were killed instantly, while others died on their way to hospitals, police director Simeon Dizon said.

Police said another bomb was found nearby and safely detonated.

In the confusion, military and police officials gave death tolls ranging from four to 11. Medical workers said at least 53 people were injured in the explosion.

Witnesses said they saw bloodied people on the plaza grounds after the blast, which shattered the windows in a mall and several other establishments across the street. Shoppers stampeded out of the mall.

‘‘There was this bag that suddenly went off and in the next second, everybody fell to the ground,’’ said Junie Santos, a food stall attendant.

Police and anti-terrorist troops brought in bomb-sniffing dogs and cordoned off the area, choked by smoke and dust. Officials were checking hospitals for an accurate casualty count.

Lt Gen Roy Cimatu, who heads the military’s Southern Command, went on local radio to calm residents.

No one immediately claimed responsibility, but Abu Sayyaf Muslim extremist guerrillas have been suspected of carrying out recent bombings in Zamboanga as a diversion for a massive military offensive against them on nearby Basilan island.

More than 20 US military officers returned to Zamboanga after visiting Basilan earlier today. They are staying in a tightly guarded military camp and were safe after the blast, Cimatu said.