PNP: Mastermind in Davao market bombing identified

MANILA, Philippines - Investigators have identified the mastermind in the bombing of the Roxas night market in Davao City last Sept. 2, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa revealed yesterday.

Dela Rosa, however, said he could not yet make the information public pending further investigation on the blast where 14 persons were killed and 70 others were wounded.

“On the mastermind of the bomber, we already have an idea who they are or who he is. Mayroon na kaming (we have an) idea but we cannot make this public because we are still on the process of case buildup against him, against them,” Dela Rosa told reporters during the opening of the three-day Chief PNP Bato Cup in Lipa, Batangas.

He said the alleged bomber or the man who left a bag containing the improvised explosive device reportedly sought refuge in Central Mindanao.

Dela Rosa said the PNP is doing everything to arrest the bomber.

When asked if the case is considered solved, Dela Rosa said he could not say that the case has been resolved or whether charges have been filed in court against the bomber and the mastermind.

He also described as speculation the reports linking Vice Mayor Abdul Wahab Sabal of Talitay, Maguindanao to the Davao blast.

Dela Rosa pointed out that Sabal was arrested based on illegal possession of firearms, explosives and alleged illegal drugs.

“His arrest is not for being the mastermind of the Davao bombing. It is too early to say. Give us time,” he added.

The PNP chief maintained that the Davao blast has something to do with narco-terrorism and the mastermind could have funded the bombing. He refused to elaborate.

On reports of other possible bombings, Dela Rosa said all police units are always on alert to ensure immediate action is taken.

He also appealed to the public not to circulate bomb hoax.

The PNP had also set up guidelines in case of a bombing, particularly in Metro Manila.

Chief Supt. Camilo Cascolan, of the Directorate for Operations, said part of the setup is to tap the chief of police or a senior police officer from provincial office to be in charge of security measures.

Cascolan said in case of a bombing, the plan includes the immediate closure of the entry and exit points of the crime scene and no one will be allowed to come in and out in the area.

He said safety and security monitoring will be conducted 24 hours.

Cascolan said a special response team composed of trained policemen from regional office, explosive and ordnance disposal and K9 group and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit would be on standby and ready for deployment.