Blast in southern Philippine city kills 2, wounds 54

A powerful explosion killed at least two people and wounded 54 others in a southern Philippine port city that has been hit by similar blasts blamed on Muslim militants, the ABC New quoted police as saying Saturday.
The blast occurred at a bar across the street from a busy bus terminal in Zamboanga city, damaged nearby establishments and hitting the victims with flying glass and debris. One officer was among the wounded, police said.
Police suspected the militant Abu Sayyaf group, which operates in Zamboanga and nearby provinces, saying the attack could have been in retaliation for the foiled prison escape of a brother of one of the group's leaders.
Earlier this week, army special forces killed at least three Abu Sayyaf gunmen in running gun battles and have continued to pursue the militants in nearby Basilan province. The group has previously set off bombs to divert attention from military operations.
Regional police chief Edwin Basbas said investigators were looking for three men who were seen in the vicinity shortly before the blast.