DOJ to form task force to probe Davao blast

Teams from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and the Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD) of the Philippine National Police in Davao scour the blast site where an explosion ripped through a crowded night market along Roxas Avenue in Davao City around 10:00 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 2, 2016). (Photo: Ayan Mellejor/PNA)

MANILA – Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Saturday said he will form a task force that will investigate the bombing attack in Davao City where 14 people were killed and 71 others were wounded Friday night.

“There is just no word for this dastardly and cowardly act. We will act with dispatch and our DoJ Task Force will be created as soon as possible,” Aguirre said as he reacted to the Davao blast.

“I have instructed NBI Director Dante Gierran to give me a list of crack NBI operatives who will join our prosecutors in the fact finding investigation of this incident. We cannot let this pass. The perpetrators should be meted the corresponding punishment under our penal laws. We will cooperate with the other law enforcement agencies on this concerted effort to flesh out the persons responsible. We have a common enemy, it will be defeated by our collective action. We are one with the people of Davao, we are one with the President in his actions,” Aguirre added.

The DoJ Secretary also announced that he has put in his personal funds to jumpstart a fund drive for the victims and the families of the Davao Blast by the employees of the DOJ and its attached agencies.

“Davaoeños have always been there for the rest of the Philippines in times of calamities and in times of need. We have to be there for them now. I hope my humble contribution will set the wheels of charity into motion. I request all our employees at the DOJ and all our attached agencies to share what they can for the victims of the blast. They need it. This is the time for us to do more, to give more, and to be more”, Aguirre noted.