MISAMIS Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal survived a bomb attack in Bgy. Lapasan in Clarin town, police said yesterday.

Two of his security escorts were also unhurt.

According to Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo, the governor came from a meeting at a hotel and was on his way home to Ozamiz City when an improvised explosive device went off in Bgy. Lapasan, Clarin municipality at 11 p.m on Sunday.

The WestMinCom said the improvised explosive device hit the second car in Oaminal’s four-vehicle convoy. The governor was in the vehicle that was struck.

“Salamat sa Ginoo na walay na-injure, walay na-sakitan (Thank God no one was injured or hurt),” Oaminal said in a video posted on his Facebook page after the bombing.

Crespillo said Oaminal and his two police escorts were unharmed, but the window on the driver’s side of their vehicle was shattered. The door bore bullet holes.

The military official strongly condemned the attack as he appealed to the public to remain calm.

He assured that they are conducting combat and non-combat operations to ensure the security of residents.

Meanwhile, the Northern Mindanao Police directed all its cops to conduct checkpoint and dragnet operations to arrest the suspects.

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Jane Eleda