7 charged over Sarangani grenade blasts

MANILA, Philippines - Police have filed charges of murder and multiple frustrated murder against seven suspects in twin grenade explosions in Maasim, Sarangani last June 20 that left one resident dead and 31 others wounded.

Charged before the Sarangani prosecutor’s office were Jamer Sadavao, Basilin Tungan, Mohamad Jafar Maguid alias Tukboy or Toks, Limbo Jusin Pala, a certain Barok, and two still unidentified accomplices.

Police said witnesses identified Sadavao, Tungan and Pala through artist’s sketches, and Maguid through a picture that a witness had provided the intelligence section of the provincial police.

Investigation showed that prior to the twin explosions at the Maasim town plaza and along the national highway, witnesses saw the suspects drinking beer at the plaza, where festivities marking the town’s 37th foundation day were being held.

Police said four of the suspects later walked to the concert area at the plaza. There, two of them, including Sadavao, boarded a red motorcycle.

Police said Sadavao then lobbed a grenade at an area of the town plaza where a beauty contest was being held.

There was later another explosion along the national highway about 200 meters away from the plaza.

After the blasts, police said witnesses saw the suspects board motorcycles and speed away.

A certain Gardo Rellon, 26, died from several sharpnel wounds. – With Dennis Carcamo and Cecille Suerte Felipe