PNP chief: IED caused Davao blast

From Rappler (Sep 3): PNP chief: IED caused Davao blast

Davao region police are tracking down 4 “persons of interests” – two men and two women – whose sketches have yet to be released to the public   

DAVAO BLAST. PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa (far right) during the Command Conference of the Regional Peace & Order Council meeting at the PRO11 headquarters in Davao City on September 3, 2016. Photo by Col. Edgard Arevalo/AFP PAO

 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed Saturday night, September 3, that the blast that killed at least 14 people and injured 67 at a night market in this city was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).

 

In a press conference at the Police Regional Office 11 in Davao City, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said a Special Investigative Task Group (SITG) formed to probe the blast confirmed that it was an IED that exploded in the middle of a busy night market before 11 pm on Friday, September 2. (For updates on the Davao blast, check Rappler's live blog)

Dela Rosa said the type of IED had yet to be fully reconstructed but initial investigations show it was a mortar round.

Davao regional police are tracking down 4 “persons of interests” – two men and two women – but did not give further details.

Investigators have a sketch of the suspects but this has yet to be released to the public.

The Abu Sayyaf has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the PNP said it is still verifying this.

The PNP chief flew in from Manila Saturday afternoon, hours after the fatal explosion. Upon arriving in Davao City, Dela Rosa joined a Regional Peace and Council Meeting at the Eastern Mindanao Command headquarters in Camp Panacan.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/145114-pnp-ied-cause-davao-bombing