KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato, Philippines — A drug syndicate operating in the town of Matalam, Cotabato province, could be behind the grenade blast that injured 22 people during the New Year revelry on Thursday, a police official said. Lt. Col. Arniel Melocotones, chief of the Matalam police, told local media their intensified anti-illegal drug campaign could have heavily affected the drug trade in town, which prompted the suspects to divert police attention. Melocotones disclosed that they already identified suspects behind the blast but refused to give further details. READ: 22 injured in Cotabato town New Year party attack He said they are […]... Keep on reading: Cops eye drug syndicate in New Year’s Day Cotabato blast