NBI files criminal raps vs. 3 suspects in suspected NAIA bombing attempt

Foiled bombing suspects. Photo courtesy of Ina Reformina (@InaReformina) via Twitter.

MANILA  — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal charges against the three suspects in the suspected bombing attempt at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Monday.

The suspects were charged with illegal possession of explosives.

Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima earlier said that the charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism against the suspects is now being studied by the NBI.

During the inquest proceeding at the DOJ, the camp of the suspects denied the accusations filed against them.

Atty. Oliver Lozano, the counsel of the suspects, said during the inquest that the accusations against his clients have no basis.

Instead, Lozano pointed to a certain Norberto Paranga who was allegedly responsible in the Improvised Incendiary Device (IID) discovered inside the vehicle.

Lozano said Paranga borrowed the vehicle from his client, Grandeur Pepito Guerrero, hence, Paranga had the control on the vehicle.

The lawyer argued that his clients did not know that the white Toyota Revo with plate no. WML 129 had explosives inside it.

In fact, Lozano said, Guerrero was arrested by the NBI in Magallanes, Makati City and not at the NAIA, while the two other suspects, Emmanuel San Pedro and Sonny Yohanon, were just told to guard the vehicle parked at the NAIA open parking lot when arrested.

However, De Lima said the suspects seem to be members of a misguided group out to sow terror in Metro Manila.

While investigations are still ongoing, the DOJ set the preliminary investigation of the criminal complaint on September 12 with the suspects ordered to submit their respective counter-affidavits.