Intended ‘gift bomb’ recipient passes away

STA. CRUZ, Ilocos Sur — The intended recipient of the "gift bomb" that exploded in a household here last Nov. 18 died Sunday night after a six-day battle with burns that affected 60 percent of his body.

Doctors at the Ilocos Regional Hospital in San Fernando City, La Union said Leopoldo Caligtan, a former pastor of the Pentecostal Church, died at about 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Caligtan’s daughter Shiela remains in serious condition at the hospital’s intensive care unit. Sta. Cruz Vice Mayor Jose Ping-ay is arranging for her transfer to the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

Caligtan’s other daughter Shiela, 8, who received the box containing the bomb supposedly intended for her father, died a few hours after reaching the hospital. Her brother Ryan suffered minor burns on the right leg.

Police identified yesterday a certain Arturo Bistoyong, a native of Galimuyod town in Ilocos Sur, as a suspect in the explosion.

Investigators said they have a strong case against Bistoyong, claiming they have two witnesses — Rosalyn Sixto and Ricardo Acosta — who allegedly saw him prepare the bomb and have the gift box delivered.

Police earlier said the incident was motivated by a land dispute.