Bus bomb kills seven in Philippines

A bomb blasted a passenger bus in the southern Philippines, killing at least seven people and wounding nine others.

Police Chief Superintendent Gil Meneses said the bus was carrying more than 50 passengers when the blast shook the rear of the vehicle.

Earlier police reports said nine people were killed but this figure was later revised.

The southern Philippines is plagued by kidnappers, extortion gangs and a decades-old Muslim insurgency.

Extortionists were blamed for previous bus attacks and holdups in the region.

Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang said the bus company involved in today’s bombing had been targeted for extortion in the past.