Explosion hits fastfood outlet in Basilan; 1 hurt

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March 5, 2026 | 12:00am

ZAMBOANGA CITY Philippines  ­– Motorcycle-riding men believed to be extortionists hurled a grenade at a fastfood outlet, injuring a worker in Lamitan, Basilan on Tuesday night.

The attack, which occurred at around 7:30 p.m., destroyed the newly constructed building of a Jollibee branch in Barangay Malakas.

The establishment was supposed to be opened to the public on Saturday, probers said.

Lamitan police chief Lt. Col. Elmer Solon said the explosion wounded a laborer, identified as Rebel Masulog, 22, who was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Witnesses said they saw two men on a motorcycle speeding away after the explosion, which shattered the glass and concrete walls of the establishment.

Police said they would review video footage of closed-circuit television cameras installed in the area to identify suspects.

Mayor Roderick Furigay condemned the incident, which he said was intended to disturb peace and order as well as hamper economic development in Lamitan.

Furigay assured residents that local officials are coordinating with law enforcement agencies for the immediate capture of the suspects.

He said the city government would provide medical assistance to the wounded worker.

Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman said the provincial government would give a cash reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

Hataman did not specify the amount, saying the local government supports police operations for the swift arrest of the assailants.