ISIS not behind Quiapo blast –Lorenzana

This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana when asked by the alleged reports claiming that it was terrorist group who was behind the bloody incident. (Photo: Department of National Defense)

MANILA–Authorities on Sunday insisted that Friday night’s blast in Quiapo was an offshoot of a feud between two groups and not the handiwork of jihadist group ISIS.

This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana when asked by the alleged reports claiming that it was terrorist group who was behind the bloody incident.

“According to our intelligence and police in Quiapo, this was a the result of grudge. One teenager was mauled by three brothers. The parent complained to the police who summoned the three but they were a no show. The father became mad and swore ‘pasasabugin’ ko kayo. Shortly after a grenade was exploded in the vicinity injuring 13 people. The ISIS can claim all they want but that was not their handiwork,” he added.

This was the same information given by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Saturday when asked on whether the incident has any security repercussions for the ongoing ASEAN meetings.

“Initial reports coming from the Philippine National Police indicates that the incident is ‘gang related’ and so far we see no need to (beef up our security preparations for the then ongoing ASEAN meeting). We put it under the law enforcement operations for the time being,” he added.

Around 10:49 p.m. Friday, two men aboard a motorcycle lobbed a suspected grenade which exploded along Quezon Boulevard near the Quiapo Church, wounding 12, five of them severely.

The victims were brought to the Jose Reyes Medical Center, Mary Chiles General Hospital and Ospital ng Sampaloc.

Police investigation is still ongoing as of this posting.