Student killed, 2 hurt in Quiapo blast

MANILA, Philippines - A 20-year-old student died when a homemade bomb, allegedly thrown by a member of a rival fraternity, exploded in Quiapo, Manila Thursday night.

Goldwin Magnaye, married, a student of the Technological Institute of the Philippines, died while undergoing treatment at the Mary Chiles Hospital. The bomb landed directly on his head, according to Manila Police District (MPD) homicide section chief, Inspector Armando Macaraeg.

Two others, Karlo Lloren, 22, criminology student of Manuel L. Quezon University, and Jeric Carpio, 22, a marine engineering graduate, were hurt in the explosion.

Macaraeg said the three victims, together with six others, were having a drinking spree along Cruzada street in Quiapo when a still unidentified man threw a homemade bomb at the group. Witnesses described the bomb thrower as wearing t-shirt, denim pants and carrying a knapsack.

The MPD’s Explosive and Ordnance Division is currently trying to determine the type of explosive device used, but investigators said it was probably a pillbox.

Macaraeg said except for Magnaye, the others who were attacked belong to the Samahang Ilocano fraternity, an alleged rival of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.

“We are presently determining the identity of the bomb thrower and his fraternity affiliation. The attack could be triggered by the frat war. Though Magnaye does not belong to any fraternity, he was a collateral damage who was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said.