Eleven people died while five others sustained critical injuries after a passenger van exploded near a military checkpoint in Lamitan City, Basilan early Tuesday morning.
Authorities said an improvised bomb was detonated in the suspected suicide bombing 15 meters away from the checkpoint, reported PDI.
The mayor in Lamitan said a foreigner was seen driving the passenger van. As a lieutenant approach him, the foreigner suddenly veered off.
Among the dead are three women including one child, one soldier, five militiamen, and the suspected bomber who was driving the vehicle.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but Basilan Governor Jim Saliman said the Abu Sayyaf may have been behind it.
