Incident Summary:

09/16/2018: An explosive device detonated near a pharmacy at Makar Junction in Apopong, South Cotabato, Philippines. At least eight civilians were injured in the blast. The East Asia Division of the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Sources also attributed the incideny to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) and Ansar Al-Khilafa (Philippines).

GTD ID:
201809160016

When:
2018-09-16

Country:
Philippines

Region:
Southeast Asia

Province/administrative
region/u.s. state:

South Cotabato

City:
Apopong

Attack Information
Type of Attack (more) Bombing/Explosion
Successful Attack? (more) Yes
Target Information (more)
Target Type: Business
Name of Entity TGP Generic Pharmacy
Specific Description Pharamacy
Nationality of Target Philippines
Additional Information
Hostages No
Ransom No
Property Damage Yes
Extent of Property Damage Minor (likely < $1 million)
Value of Property Damage Unknown
Weapon Information
Type Sub-type
Explosives Unknown Explosive Type
Weapon Details
An explosive device in a bag was used in the attack.
Additional Information
Suicide Attack?No
Part of Multiple Incident?No
Criterion 1 (more) Yes
Criterion 2 (more) Yes
Criterion 3 (more) Yes
Doubt Terrorism Proper (more) No
Additional Information The victims included Joana Bless Alipio, Jessly Yvonne Guyos, Lally Jean Alipio, Claire Uozia, John Lennon Calong, Felipe Regios, Marlon Yadao, and Anton Fallo. Casualty numbers conflict across sources. Following GTD protocol, the majority reliable estimates are reported here.
Perpetrator Group Information
Group Name Claimed Responsibility
Ansar Al-Khilafa (Philippines) No
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) No
East Asia Division of the Islamic State Yes (Confirmed: Unknown; Mode: Posted to website, blog, etc.)
Perpetrator Statistics
Number of Perpetrators 2
Number of Captured Perpetrators 1
Casualty Information
Total Number of Casualties 0 Fatalities / 8 Injured
Total Number of Fatalities 0
Number of U.S. Fatalities 0
Number of Perpetrator Fatalities 0
Total Number of Injured 8
Number of U.S. Injured 0
Number of Perpetrators Injured 0
Sources
"Prime suspect in GenSan bombing arrested," Manila Times (Philippines), September 28, 2018.
"GenSan on high alert status after Sunday bombing," Manila Times (Philippines), September 27, 2018.
"Army blames BIFF in Midsayap videoke bar blast," Philippines Daily Inquirer, September 17, 2018.