Probers set to file Bilibid blast raps

MANILA, Philippines -  Investigators are set to file criminal charges against three people for their alleged involvement in the grenade blast that rocked New Bilibid Prison (NBP) maximum security compound last month.

Compound superintendent Richard Schwarzkopf declined to name the respondents and exactly how they are involved, but said they will face murder and frustrated murder charges.

Schwarzkopf also declined to categorically say if the person who lobbed the grenade was included in the charge sheet. When asked about it, he said: “Of course we will not file a weak case.”

Schwarzkopf said the development in the probe is a joint effort by the NBP and the National Bureau of Investigation.

“The cases are set to be filed this week,” Schwarzkopf said, adding he could not give an exact date.

The Jan. 8 explosion killed one inmate and wounded 19 others.

The NBI said it has a witness but probers have yet to file charges as the case is still under investigation.