Series of Quiapo blasts case ‘solved’ –MPD

The MPD chief also dismissed fears that the bombing was a handiwork of international terrorist group ISIS. (Photo: Philippine News Agency)

MANILA–The Manila Police District (MPD) on Monday boasted that the case of a series of explosions in Quiapo, Manila, including the twin blasts which claimed the lives of two individuals and injured six others last Saturday night, is now “solved”.

This after one of the suspects has been arrested and the other suspects have been identified.

MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel on Monday reported that they now have a suspect who was identified as Abel Macaraya.

Macaraya, a suspect in the Quiapo bombing that happened a day before the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, was presented to the members of media in a press conference on Monday.

However, during the same press conference, Macaraya vehemently denied that he is a member of any terrorist group, especially the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).

The MPD chief also dismissed fears that the bombing was a handiwork of international terrorist group ISIS.

Coronel also reiterated that the twin blasts in Quiapo, Manila was just a problem of some residents living in the area.

In fact, he said, they have identified the names of two of the other suspects as Raymond Mendoza and a certain Ali Moro.

Coronel admitted that although the case is already “solved”, it cannot be considered as “closed” until such time that all the suspects behind the twin blasts are arrested.

Before the twin blasts last Saturday night, 14 individuals were injured in an explosion in Quiapo, Manila last April 28, which was caused by an alleged “gang war” in the area.