Police looking at three persons of interest in Davao blast
Authorities are looking at three persons of interest in the bombing in Davao City last Friday where at least 14 persons were killed, the head of the Philippine National Police said.
Speaking at national police’s regional office Saturday night, Director General Ronald de La Rosa said they have a description and sketch of these persons, which are two women and a man.
Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, the regional police director, said they are using testimonies from at least eight witnesses for the investigation.
De La Rosa said an improvised explosive device exploded at the Roxas night market around 10:20pm Friday but they are waiting for a post-blast report to find out what kind of bomb it was.
Senior Superintendent Michael John Dubria, Davao City police chief, told reporters late Sunday the bomb was detonated using a cellphone.
Dubria said the upper portion of the fuse assembly was taken from the liver of a victim, who is still alive.
He defended the region’s officials after critics blamed the local government for failing to act despite getting reports about a bombing days before the incident.
“The bombers found a way. It’s not the right time for finger pointing,” he said.
He recalled the 9-11 bombing in the United States where terrorists were able to execute their plan despite facing the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
“How much more the intelligence group of PNP? Intelligence service of AFP? There is a really big chance that they will get through us,” he added.
De La Rosa said they suspect the Abu Sayyaf as being behind the attack due to the ongoing military operations against the group in Sulu.
“We have our own way of validating if that claim is really authentic, and the closest problem here is in Sulu,” he said.
“That’s why we are suspecting that to stop the pressure they have been experiencing in Sulu and Basilan right now, this might be a diversionary tactic,” said De La Rosa.
He said a probe against officials in the region are the least of his concerns.
“I am not dissatisfied with the performance of our policemen here in Region 11. They are doing their best,” he said.
Gaerlan said they are doing their best to normalize the situation.
“That’s why we encourage the return of daily activities in the city of Davao,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS
