LAMITAN CITY, BASILAN — A grenade explosion targeted a newly constructed building of a popular fast-food chain in Barangay Malakas on Tuesday night, March 3, 2026, leaving one person injured and causing significant property damage.
- Time & Location: The blast occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. at a construction site for a fast-food establishment, just four days before its scheduled grand opening.
- Damage: The explosion shattered the building’s glass walls and left shrapnel holes in the concrete structures.
- Casualties: One laborer, identified as Rebel Antalas Masulog (from Zamboanga del Sur), sustained minor injuries and was given immediate medical attention.
- Witnesses: The security guard on duty reported hearing a loud explosion about 10 meters from his post but did not see any suspects fleeing the scene.
Lt. Col. Elmer Solon, Lamitan City police chief, has launched a citywide dragnet operation to identify the perpetrators.
- CCTV Review: Investigators are currently reviewing footage from nearby establishments and city-monitored cameras.
- Heightened Alert: Adjacent police stations have been placed on alert to assist in hot pursuit operations.
- Motive: Authorities are still investigating whether the attack was related to extortion, a business rivalry, or other motives.