Bombs rocked two tourist destinations in the western Philippines, wounding three people, dpa cited police and the Office of Civil Defence as saying Friday. The blasts occurred Thursday outside a resort in El Nido town and in a bus terminal in Puerto Princesa City, both in Palawan province, 600 kilometres west of Manila, said Chief Superintendent Artemio Hicban, a regional police commander. No tourists were hurt in the incidents in the region known for its beaches, diving spots and virgin forests. A 23-year-old cook was wounded in the first blast, which happened as she was throwing garbage outside the Entalula Beach Resort, the Office of Civil Defence said. Minutes later, a second explosion rocked the bus terminal in Palawan's capital, wounding a woman and a tricycle driver, the office said. Local authorities said police were still investigating the explosions, but they ruled out terrorism in the attacks. Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn said political or business rivalries could be behind the bombings, which prompted security to be stepped up in the province.
