Blast rocks Abra capital town hall — police

An improvised explosive device on Wednesday exploded in front of the municipal hall of Abra’s provincial capital, destroying several parts of the building, police said. The explosion happened in front of the Bangued municipal hall about 2 a.m. Wednesday — the same day the town’s Mayor-elect Ryan Luna was scheduled to take his oath of office, Senior Inspect Johnny Golingab of the Abra Provincial Police said. No one was hurt during the incident, but flower pots, walls and the ceiling of the building was destroyed, he added. Golingab said the IED may have been planted in front of the town hall. "Walang suspek na nakuha… Maaring inilagay doon o maaaring inihagis (ang bomba), but more of the possibility na nilagay doon para ma-prevent na malaman kung sino ‘yung mga suspek," he said. He added that police are currently investigating the motive of the incident, although the blast happened hours before Luna’s oath-taking. Luna defeated during the May 10 polls incumbent Mayor Dominic Valera, who was tagged in the shooting and killing of a supporter of the mayor-elect two months ago. The Department of Justice has cleared Valera of any involvement in the shooting incident. Security has already been tightened in the vicinity of the town hall following the incident, Golingab said. — with Andreo Calonzo/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV