1 hurt in twin blasts in Isabela City, Basilan

At least one person was hurt after two explosions rocked Isabela City, Basilan on Monday evening.

According to the police report, the first blast occurred near a fast-food outlet in Barangay Isabela Proper at around 5:45 p.m.

While the PNP's explosive ordnance division was conducting an initial assessment and investigation into the explosion, another blast occurred at around 6:15 p.m. at a bus garage in Barangay La Piedad, about 800 meters away.

One person was hurt in the second explosion and "was immediately brought to Basilan General Hospital," the report said.

Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin, for her part, advised constituents to remain calm.

“Habang ginagawa ng ating mga otoridad ang imbestigasyon, tayo po ay nananawagan sa lahat na manatiling mapagmatyag ngunit kalmado. Iwasan po muna natin ang mga spekulasyon at lalong huwag magpalaganap ng takot,” she wrote in a social media post.

(While authorities are investigating, we are urging the public to remain vigilant and calm. Let us refrain from making speculations that would spread fear.)

“Matagal na pong tahimik ang ating siyudad at ang buong probinsya ng Basilan. Patuloy pong umaarangkada ang ating ekonomiya at gumaganda ang ating kabuhayan. Pagtulungan po nating mapanatili ito at ipaalam sa lahat na walang pananakot ang makakapigil sa ating pagbangon,” Turabin added.

(Our city and the whole province of Basilan have long been peaceful. Our economy and livelihood are flourishing continuously. We will work together to ensure and show everyone that no amount of threats will stop us from our recovery.) — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA News