Bomb explodes in the Phillpines

A powerful bomb exploded during rush hour along a main road in Cotabato City, in the southern Philippines, killing at least six people and wounding 29 others.

Cotabato, a bustling trading hub 880 kilometres (545 miles) south of Manila, has been hit previously by bombings blamed on Muslim rebels and extortion gangs.

Filipino authorities did not immediately point to any suspects, but government forces have been on alert in the volatile region due to recent attacks and bombings by a breakaway Muslim rebel faction opposed to peace talks between the government and a main insurgent group.

Source APTN