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Monday, March 21, 2005
Bomb blast damages building of Arroyo family
MANILA -- A small bomb exploded during a clash between rival street gangs in Manila Sunday, slightly damaging a building that houses the office of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's husband, police said.
The homemade bomb (pillbox) shattered the LTA building's glass window at Perea Street in Legaspi Village owned by the family of Arroyo's husband, Juan Miguel.
No one was reported hurt or injured in the blast that took place at 3:55 a.m. Police said the bomb was made of firecrackers.
Police spokesman Leopoldo Bataoil said the pillbox explosion did not leave any great damage to the LTA building, "indicating that the incident is not terrorist-related."
Manila and other cities have been tightly guarded amid fears that Islamic extremists may launch attacks during the Holy Week.
Senior Superintendent Bataoil said damage to the building was "very minimal," with only two small holes of around one to two inches in diameter at the glass panel of the office of Juan Miguel's counsel and spokesman, Jesus Santos.
National Police Chief Arturo Lomibao, Metro Manila Police Chief Avelino Razon, and Makati City Police Chief Juvy Gutierrez inspected the area to assess the situation.
Police investigators said the bomb could have been hurled by the two groups of young men who figured in a clash prior to the blast.
Responding policemen recovered from the site paper wrapping used in the manufacture of firecrackers.
Juan Miguel left to the police the matter of investigating the explosion in front of the LTA building, where he holds office.
He said the incident is a "police matter".
He was in Las Vegas Sunday to watch the bout of Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao when the incident happened. He is expected to return to the Philippines before Wednesday to accompany President Arroyo and their children for their traditional Holy Week break in Baguio City.
Police and military authorities have been on alert for terror threats by the Abu Sayyaf.
The bandit group has threatened to carry out bombings and other terrorist attacks nationwide in retaliation for the killing of their leaders during a jail assault in Bicutan, Taguig last week.
The government appealed for public sobriety in the face of planned attacks.
"They (public) should be assured that we are doing something to address the threat. The military and the police have a concerted effort to assure their safety," said Lt. Gen. Allan Cabalquinto, commander of the military's National Capital Region Command.
Cabalquinto said he has ordered at least two fresh companies of soldiers to augment the capability of the Western and Southern Police Districts to mount visibility patrols. A company is composed of 120 soldiers.
"Before, we are joining them (police) in patrolling selected malls. Now, we're shifting joint patrols in religious rites where people would normally congregate during the Holy Week," he said.
He said the military command is beefing up security in seaports while the police are looking after bus terminals.
"We have increased maritime security measures. We'll take care of the various seaports while the police would check all the bus terminals," Cabalquinto added. (JFF/JMR)
(March 21, 2005 issue)
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