Four supporters of amayoral candidate in a southern Philippine town were killed and 30 were wounded in a grenade attack during a campaign rally, themilitary said today.
Mayoral candidate Mr Malumpel Uto was addressing a crowd of about2,000 in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao province last night when a grenade was thrown, local army spokesman Major Julieto Ando said.
"Uto survived unharmed but four people were killed instantly", hesaid.
Of the 30 people wounded, about 12 were in critical condition,Major Ando said.
He said the attack was "politically motivated" although he declined to name suspects. Mr Uto is running for mayor under theopposition party of jailed ex-president Joseph Estrada.
He said additional troops would be sent to the area "to ensureorderly elections on Monday."
AFP