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Saturday, October 20, 2007
Police say explosive caused Makati mall blast
MANILA -- An explosive caused the explosion Friday at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City that killed eight people and wounded at least 120 others, said National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr.
Razon dispelled earlier police theories that the explosion was caused by a gas tank.
Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City.
The explosion happened inside the Luk Yuen Restaurant at the ground floor of the mall at 1:30 p.m. Friday. It took place a week after the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed plans by the Abu Sayyaf Group to launch attacks after the ending of the Ramadan last October 12.
Six of the fatalities in the incident were identified as Nestor Peregrina, Alan dela Cruz, Janine Marcos, Jose Alma de Jesus, Edwin Enriquez, and Liza Enriquez.
Those injured were brought to the Makati Medical Center, Ospital ng Makati and other nearby hospitals.
“The post blast investigation ruled out the LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tank as the cause based on the damage created,” said Razon.
Police Chief Inspector Raynold Rosero, deputy chief of the Philippine Bomb Data Center, said the blast was caused by "a high explosive because of the shattering effect," adding he was "80 percent" certain it was a bomb.
He said members of the bomb squad took swabs of the area to identify the specific explosive.
Rosero also said no bomb parts or fragments such as a detonating cord, switch or power source were immediately found in the area, which was damp with water possibly due to broken pipes.
"I was told by officials of the explosives and ordinance disposal division that it could be a bomb but it's not definite yet," said Razon.
Razon admitted that before the explosion, the PNP received information on planned bombings in Metro Manila. “We have reports in the past and we have taken actions on the report,” he said.
Nevertheless, Razon cannot categorically say if the explosion was a handiwork of terrorists. “We cannot definitely say that it’s a terror attack,” he said.
Investigators were still looking into the explosion as of Friday.
The PNP chief also called on the public to stay calm as he said: “There is no cause for alarm. They (public) should continue with their normal lives.”
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Geary Barias has echoed Razon’s claim, saying the blast could not have been due to an LPG explosion.
“Yes it is not an ordinary explosion. It is not an ordinary bomb,” Barias said.
Unconfirmed reports said the bomb might have been placed in the trunk of the car, but Barias said it is too early to tell if it was a car bomb.
“It does not look like a car bomb although the damage was extensive. There is also significant damage to other floors,” he said.
Barias said the explosion tore a 200-square meter hole through the second level of the Glorietta 2 building, filling the ground floor with debris and leaving a crater.
At least three vehicles, including a Toyota station wagon and an L-300 van service vehicle of the restaurant parked in front, sustained heavy damage.
Witnesses described the explosion as similar to lightning but muffled.
Due to the explosion, Barias placed the entire 15,000-strong NCRPO on red alert status.
“All other malls and places where people tend to congregate especially in Makati will be placed under close watch and we will deploy additional policemen,” he said.
The military’s National Capital Region Command (NCRcom) has also declared red alert status in the metropolis in the face of the explosion.
NCRcom spokesman Carlo Ferrer said they imposed the highest alert status in Metro Manila in anticipation of any eventuality. Under red alert status, troops are directed to stay in their camp so that they would be ready to respond to any threat.
"NCRcom had just declared red alert status in anticipation of any eventuality in relation to the alleged bombing in Glorieta, Makati. All units under NCRcom are now ready to assist the PNP to prevent a repeat of the incident if indeed a bomb caused the explosion in Makati City,” said Ferrer.
According to the mall management, Glorietta 2 and the adjacent areas will remain closed indefinitely as engineers will be checking the building’s structural integrity.
“As soon as the authorities give the green light, we will let people go back inside and retrieve their personal belongings. As of now, our main priority is to extend full medical assistance to those hurt and injured,” said the mall officials.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the PNP to get to the bottom of the blast.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said they are awaiting the official report of the police on the matter, advising the public to ignore any speculation and rumor mongering that may arise from the incident.
Bunye, who is also the Presidential spokesman, said the President called for an emergency security meeting and ordered the implementation of measures to secure the public, especially in Metro Manila, like heightened security in buildings in crowded areas and more checkpoints.
He said more than 2,000 policemen would be fielded to safeguard the public in the vicinity of the incident and in other public places to prevent a repeat of the bombing.
He asked the public to bear with the additional security arrangements.
Bunye said the President also ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development to assist the victims of the blast.
President Arroyo also warned "those who seek to exploit this incident to destabilize our government for their selfish political motives."
“I am deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and I extend my sincerest sympathies to the families of those were killed and wounded,” said Arroyo.
In a statement, Vice President Noli de Castro said: “We condemn this cowardly act of violence perpetrated by misguided individuals in this latest Makati bombing, where lives were senselessly lost.”
“Lawless violence has no place in our society and we should unite against those who wish to sow anarchy through violence. I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims,” he said.
Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander Romeo Prestoza said they are assessing the situation to determine if there is a need to raise the alert level and augment or modify the security around Malacañang and the President.
Prestoza said at present, the guards around the Palace are instructed to be more alert and focused.
National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said government is looking into the possibility of a terrorist attack and that the key is to look into the type of explosive used, which serves as the “signature” of the bomber.
“This is not an accident. We are looking into a possible terrorist attack,” Gonzales said.
He also said government is not ruling out the possible involvement of political groups but appealed to administration critics not to take advantage of the situation to create more trouble.
“This tragedy should unite the people. This is a terrible incident. Those (political) groups should not take advantage of this. This is not the time for it,” he said. (VR/AH/JMR/Sunnex/With AP)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga. (October 20, 2007 issue)
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