Crime lab to release findings on bomb that exploded in Jawo’s car

The crime laboratory of the Philippine National Police (PNP) would be able determine today the type of chemicals used in the improvised explosive device that exploded and ripped apart the vehicle of Pasig City Rep. Robert "Dudut" Jaworski last Dec. 12.

Chief Superintendent Arturo Cacdac, director of the crime laboratory, said they would conclude today the forensic-scientific and post-blast investigation on the bomb’s residue scraped from the chassis of Jaworski’s car.

"The recovered debris was soaked for 24 hours last Friday. Hopefully, we would be able to determine the chemical components of the bomb and release our findings today," said Cacdac in an interview.

Initial examination showed the presence of battery, wire, and possible nitrate and cyclonite-RDX in the five sacks of debris recovered from the blast site.

Earlier, Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Luizo Ticman revealed that an improvised explosive device exploded under Jaworski’s car.

Ticman said the crime laboratory is conducting meticulous sorting and sifting of collected debris and no stone will be left unturned in their investigation on the attempt on Jaworski’s life.

Ticman said the Task Force Avoni he created to probe the incident is still interviewing witnesses to determine who could have planted the improvised explosive device on Jaworski’s car.

"My men are now talking to witnesses. We are retracing the movements of Rep. Jaworki last Tuesday to narrow down the areas to be covered in our investigation," he said.

Aside from the battery, wire and nitrate residue lifted by elements of the explosives and ordnance division (EOD) of the EPD at the crime scene, Ticman said they are also checking the presence of cyclonite-RDX among the debris.

The EPD director explained that cyclonite-RDX is a bomb component that has a high velocity detonation and had a shattering effect on the intended target. But the said type of bomb would leave behind small pieces of debris, he added.

Jaworski, his brother Ryan and security aide Romeo Gamuza were on board the vehicle when another security aide, Renato Deceles, noticed smoke coming from under the van along C-5 at about 1:45 p.m. Tuesday.

The van and two other back-up vehicles stopped along the highway and its occupants alighted and ran towards a safe distance.

Minutes later, a loud explosion rang out ripping the car apart.

Firefighters arrived and put out the blaze.

Pasig City Mayor Vicente Eusebio said the incident was a political gimmick of Jaworski’s camp to gain public sympathy for the coming elections. He called on Jaworski not to put all the blame on him in all incidents occurring in the city.

Jaworski was amused why Eusebio reacted on his statement blaming politics and illegal drugs as behind the attempt in his life.

"Why should he be in the defensive when I did not mention names. I did not say that his camp was behind the attempt to kill me," said Jaworski.

The congressman pointed out that there’s no need to resort to such type of gimmickry "because the people of Pasig loved me."

"I would not gamble my life, that of my brother and the people around me just to be noticed and to resort to such cheap gimmickry," he added.

Jaworski had made it known that he would run for mayor of Pasig City in the coming elections. He would be up against Councilor Bobby Eusebio, a son of Mayor Eusebio.