Blast hurts provincial governor in the Philippines

MANILA, June 1 (Reuters) The governor of a Philippine province was wounded and his two police escorts were killed when a powerful blast hit his convoy south of Manila, local radio reported today.

Arman Sanchez, governor of Batangas province, was rushed to hospital after his car was hit by a bomb, believed to be electronically detonated, said radio station dzMM, quoting a police officer in Batangas City.

''We're still trying to determine the type of bomb used in the attack,'' the officer said, adding the police were investigating the motive for the bombing.

Sanchez was able to get out of the car but two police officers serving as his bodyguards were killed, said the radio report.

The governor's convoy was leaving the capital of Batangas, south of Manila, when the attack occurred. Police speculated a long-running political feud could have triggered the attack.

REUTERS SI ND1746