Manila: Police in Maguindanao del Sur have embarked on a manhunt for a suspect involved in an attempted murder using a hand grenade, targeting an Islamic teacher in Datu Saudi Ampatuan on Friday night.

According to Philippines News Agency, Col. John Michael Mangahis, the Maguindanao del Sur Police director, reported that law enforcement is following several leads to identify the individual who threw a grenade at a parked minivan. This incident took place at a roadside carwash center in Barangay Kitangon, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, around 10 p.m.

The intended victim, Hajim Halil, an Islamic teacher and resident of Barangay Kitangon, escaped unharmed as he was not inside the vehicle during the attack. Halil was present at the carwash, cleaning his minivan, with license plate KBI-2357, when the grenade was thrown.

"He was unharmed but stunned by the incident," Mangahis stated, noting that the teacher has asserted he does not have any known adversaries. Despite Halil's safety, the explosion caused damage to his car due to shrapnel.