Blast hits Duterte's security convoy and injures 9 ahead of his visit to Mindanao's Marawi city

Seven members of the Philippines presidential security guard were wounded in a blast on Tuesday morning, 29 November, in Lanao del Sur on the island of Mindanao. The explosion occurred ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Marawi city – the capital of Lanao del Sur.

The improvised explosive device that exploded at around 10.30am local time (2.30am BST) also injured two military personnel, the Filipino army said.

Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, told local media groups that the blast took place when a convoy of the presidential security guard and military personnel were headed to Marawi.

"They were part of the advance party for President Rodrigo Duterte, who is set to visit Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, November 30, to raise the morale of troops fighting the Maute terrorist group," he said.

The convoy included members of Radio Television Malacañang and the Media Accreditation and Relations Office, and local troop escorts.

Padilla said one of the seven presidential guard members sustained serious injuries. A presidential chopper immediately airlifted the injured soldiers, including the seriously injured presidential guard, to an undisclosed medical facility, GMA News cited the army spokesman as saying.

Lt Col Michael Aquino, spokesperson for the presidential security guard, said they were investigating who were behind the blast and were also trying to determine the type of explosive used.

Aquino said he could not say if the incident would affect Duterte's upcoming trip, but insisted that his troops were "well-trained and prepared to ensure the safety of the president".