Probers eye extortion in van blast

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 18): Probers eye extortion in van blast

Authorities are now looking into the persons and the motive behind the explosion that happened inside a UV Express Van  at  the Eco-west Drive in front of the gate of the Ecoland 4000 Condominiums 9:45 am Wednesday.

Initial police investigation identified the lone casualty as Tata Besanas, the van conductor who was immediately rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center due to shrapnel wounds in the head and right shoulder.

Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office said that the white Toyota Hi-ace passenger van with plate number MVW 553 is operated by Gregorio Guerrero, and was driven by Herman Daag.

She said the van arrived from Pikit, North Cotabato and just disembarked its passengers when the IED exploded.

“The explosion happened fronting the Eco-west drive near the Ecoland 4000 condominiums and the van was able to run for 100 meters before it stopped,” she said.

Driz said probers are now taking statements from the driver and operator’s son of the van following the claims that they themselves received extortion letters from criminal elements in Pikit.

She said the investigation also looks into its relevance to the intensified campaign of the city government against illegal terminals.

“It was an IED explosion given the presence of its triggering device,” Driz said.

She urged the public to be calm but vigilant.

Investigators surmised that the victim was checking for other possible cargo left by the passengers at the van’s back portion when the explosion happened.

Explosive and Ordnance experts and Scene of the Crime Operatives of the Davao City Police Office and the Task Force Davao, respectively are now peering the crime scene.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381447827099/probers-eye-extortion-in-van-blast