PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Ronald Dela Rosa on Monday admitted security failures following a twin blast in Quiapo, Manila last weekend.
"We are very sorry nalusutan tayo. Talagang inaamin namin na may sumabog, hindi kami pwedeng gagawa ng alibi. Sumabog talaga and we are very sorry for that," the PNP chief said, adding that even the intelligence of the Central Intelligence Agency is failing sometimes.
However, Dela Rosa said Saturday's explosion that killed two people was beyond the control of cops because it was sparked by a personal feud.
The first explosion occurred around 6 p.m. on Norzagaray Street in Quiapo, Manila. It was followed by another blast around 8:30 p.m., while police were conduction post-blast investigation in the area.
The person who received the gift for Nasser Abinal, a Shiite Muslim cleric and Bureau of Internal Revenue district officer, and Mohamad Baing, GrabExpress delivery driver, were killed on the spot after the package delivered to Abinal exploded.
Dela Rosa said the Manila Police District (MPD) is still conducting investigation if the incident was related to Abinal's job at BIR.
He said they are also checking if Saturday's blast was related to the April 28 pipe bombing incident in Quiapo that injured 14 people.
The PNP chief said the three explosions were not forms of terrorist act.
"Hindi talaga nag-reresemble ng signature ng isang terrorist group (‘yung explosives). Parang home made, mahina, pipe bomb na ang pulburang ginamit ay parang pulbura ng triangle or super lolo na mahina," Dela Rosa said referring to the April 28 bomb attack.
Dela Rosa said the people who attend mass at the Quiapo church should not fear their safety as police and church officials are regularly coordinating. (SunStar Philippines)