MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- The governor of a Philippines island was the likely target of an airport suicide bomber whose blast killed one person and injured at least 16.
Police investigating the explosion at Zamboanga International Airport on Sulu Island province believe the bomb was brought into the building inside a person's backpack.
Confirmation of the bomber's identity has not been established yet because the blast decapitated him, a police statement said.
The bombing was condemned by U.S. Ambassador to Manila Harry Thomas Jr., who deplored "the heinous crime that victimized ordinary travelers".
Thomas also said he has postponed his trip to Zamboanga City in order that security services intended for his protection could be used for the police's "most urgent task" of investigating the attack.
The governor of Sulu, Sakur Tan, had arrived on a plane from Manila and was entering the building when the blast occurred, but received only minor cuts, he told local television. UPI
