Shopping centre bomb kills one

A luggage bomb exploded in a crowded Philippines shopping centre killing one person and injuring seven others.

It was the second explosion in Kidapawan, in the North Cotabato province, in two months, and came a week before President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was scheduled to visit.

"According to the initial report that I received, one bag was left at a baggage counter in a new mall in Kidapawan," said local governor Manny Pinol.

"It exploded, resulting in the death of one person, and injuries to several others."

Two employees at the centre and a 16-year-old girl were among the wounded.

"We will now focus on the baggage centre, if they remember who left the bag," said Kidapawan Senior Police Officer Pedro Santiago.