Bombs exploded Thursday at two shopping centers in the southern Philippines, killing at least two people and wounding nearly 50.
Authorities said the bombings occurred within minutes of each other in the predominantly Christian city of Iligan, on the southern island of Mindanao. Authorities said the bombs were placed at the baggage counters of two department stores.
They add that surveillance video from one of the stores appears to show at least one woman planting the explosives.
The blasts come one day ahead of President Gloria Arroyo's scheduled visit to the city. She quickly condemned the bombings.
No one has claimed responsibility.
Military officials have blamed previous attacks in the region on rogue elements of an Islamic rebel group that is seeking a separate homeland in the mostly Christian country.
Forces with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, MILF, have sporadically clashed with government troops. Peace talks between the rebels and the government broke down in August.
Christian politicians had objected to a pact that would have expanded the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
