Headline
Aquino orders thorough investigation on Zamboanga City blast
President Benigno S. Aquino III (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
MANILA — President Aquino instructed the police and the military to thoroughly investigate the explosion that rocked Zamboanga City Friday afternoon killing two people and injuring many others.
In a radio interview Saturday over dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President has been briefed on the situation that occurred in Zamboanga City.
“Nakakuha na po ang Pangulo ng full report on the incident. Nagbigay na po ng instructions ang Pangulo para naman po doon sa masinsinang imbestigasyon (President Aquino already received a full report on the incident. He already gave instructions for a detailed investigation),” Valte said.
The Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are leading the ongoing investigation, she said.
The President’s concern is the condition of those injured and the chief executive is thinking of possible assistance to those affected by the blast.
As to the possible perpetrators, Valte said: “As of now, what we can tell you is that current evidence available to us has indicated a particular direction.
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VAlte said there are leads based on the evidence that has been gathered, “but we will leave that to the military and the PNP.”
Valte said she cannot comment at this time on the motives of those behind the attack. Authorities are still determining whether it was carried out just to hurt people, or to derail the Mindanao peace process.
The explosion rocked Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City on Friday afternoon, leaving at least 2 people dead and 52 others injured, according to Zamboanga City local officials.
Initial reports said the explosion hit a Kia car parked in front of a videoke bar near a bus terminal, located along the Maria Clara Lobregat Highway, past 3 p.m.
It was reported that Zamboanga City has been receiving threats from lawless elements following the intensified operations of the military against the Abu Sayyaf Group.
