Philippines politician escapes bomb attack

A bomb-rigged motorcycle exploded today near a convoy carrying the governor of a southern Philippine island where al-Qaida-linked rebels are active, wounding a mayor and at least three security escorts.

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan said he was not hurt in the blast, which occurred about 100 yards from the provincial capitol building on Jolo Island – a hotbed for Abu Sayyaf militants – as the convoy was passing by.