MANILA - AN EXPLOSION ripped through a shopping mall in the southern Philippines on Thursday, killing one person and injuring at least three others, officials said.

The blast occurred at the baggage check-in counter of the KMCC mall in Kidapawan city on Mindanao island.

'It's most probably an improvised explosive device,' provincial governor Manuel Pinol said.

'They left it at the baggage counter. It exploded, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to several others.'

National police chief Avelino Razon said 'there were four casualties including a security guard.'

Police were investigating whether the blast was linked to a scheduled visit to the area by President Gloria Arroyo next week, Mr Pinol said. -- AFP