PNP Discounts Terrorism in Baguio Blast That Wounded 3

Fromthe Manila Bulletin (Feb 24): PNP Discounts Terrorism in Baguio Blast That Wounded 3

The explosion that wounded three people in Burnham Park on Sunday morning was not a terrorist attack but “a case of personal feud,” a ranking police official in Baguio City said.

“More likely, it was an ordinary case of feud between people,” said Inspector Virgilio Hidalgo, chief of the Tourist Police Unit of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO). “In due time, we will arrest the suspect soon as they are indentified. We assure the family of the victims that we will bring the perpetrator to the bars of justice,” he added.
Probers said an unidentified man threw an MK2 fragmentation grenade inside the Baguio City Volunteers Against Crime (BCVAC) office around 6:45 a.m.

The explosion wounded Jenard Palomique, Joseph Espadz, and security guard Gilbert Salvador.

Hidalgo explained the explosion was not aimed at disrupting the festivities of the Panagbenga Festival.

“What happened does not affect the Panagbenga festival because it did not dampen or cause fears to visitors,” he said.

He said the incident was a grenade attack on a specific target and was not a threat to the security of the general public and the visitors coming to Baguio for the Panagbenga’s Grand Floral Parade. Panagbenga Festival Chairman Freddie Alquiroz said the explosion that happened before the parade was an isolated case and he assured the public that the remaining days of the festival wasl be fully secured.

Meanwhile, City Mayor Mauricio Domogan issued a notice that he will put a P250,000 cash reward for the arrest of the suspect.

At least three persons were reported injured in the blast.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/395415/pnp-discounts-terrorism-baguio-blast-that-wounded-3