Grenade blast mars Panagbenga; 3 hurt

BAGUIO CITY (Updated) - A grenade explosion in an office of an anti-crime group in Burnham Park amid the Panagbenga flower festival on Sunday injured three people.

The victims are Gilbert Salvador; 29, Joseph Espada, 49; and Genard Palomique, 33, all residents of Baguio City, said police chief Senior Superintendent Jesus Cambay.

The three sustained minor injuries and were taken to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

The explosion was caused by an MK2 grenade hurled by still unidentified suspect around 6:50 a.m. Sunday at the office of the Baguio City Volunteers Against Crime in Melvin Jones Grandstand.

“It is very unfortunate that we have this isolated incident occur in our city despite the festive mood that the residents and visitors are now experiencing in this mountain resort city of peace and tranquility,” said Cambay.

Cambay said investigators are now interviewing witnesses for the possible identification of the suspect and determine motive of the incident.

He also assured that the perpetrator will be arrested and brought to the bar of justice.

Cordillera regional police head Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong reassured tourists that the incident is isolated and will not affect the festivities.

Magalong maintained this will not affect security preparations for the Panagbenga festival.

Thousands of spectators flocked Baguio City on Sunday for the Grand Float Parade, which culminates the flower festival.

A total of 19 floats of government and private firms, adorned with flowers like Malaysian mums, everlasting, roses, anthurium, among others, paraded in Session Road. These are flowers grown in Baguio City and neighboring towns in Benguet Province. (VR/PNA/Sunnex)