Binay supports reopening Glorietta blast probe

MANILA, Philippines - Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. is supporting the reopening of the 2008 Glorietta mall blast probe, saying many questions remain unanswered about the case.

“It is better to reopen the investigation because there are many questions left unanswered, although Ayala Land extended the necessary assistance to the victims,” Binay said.

“Immediately after the incident, we sat with officials of Ayala Land and the police. There has been a review of the security in the area,” he said.

He stressed that what Makati needs now is the vigilance of the people and the community.

Binay said he doubted the theory that the cause of the blast in Glorietta was the buildup of methane gas in its septic tanks in the basement.

In a radio interview, Binay said he was a city councilor then and he immediately rushed to the Glorietta mall after learning of the incident.

“I saw the victims appearing like ‘zombies’ because of the white powder that cover their faces and body caused by the blasts. Prior to the investigation, I doubted that methane gas is the cause,” he said.

He added that before the incident, witnesses saw some suspicious men entering the area.