PNP releases carto sketch of prime suspect in Davao blast

DAVAO CITY – Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office XI released the computerized facial composite (right) and the artist sketch (left) of the prime suspect of last Friday night market explosion along Roxas Avenue that left 14 dead and 70 wounded. (Photo: Lilian Mellejor/PNA)

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 7 (PNA) — Police on Wednesday evening released the computerized facial composition and the artist sketch of the prime suspect in last Friday’s explosion at the night market along Roxas Ave. here that left 14 persons dead and 70 others injured.

Police Director Benjamin Magalong, Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Chief for Operations, said the prime suspect is one of four persons of interest.

Magalong said the suspect was positively identified by eight witnesses as the one who left the bag with the explosive device.

He added that the still unidentified suspect is a member of an extremist group.

According to him, they are still investigating if the other three persons of interest are linked to the suspect.

Police Regional Office 11 director Manuel Gaerlan said the carto sketch was based on the description of the witnesses.

At the time, the suspect was wearing a mask with a peace sign but witnesses are positive of his description, Gaerlan said.

Gaerlan said the suspect even availed of a 30-minute massage without removing the mask.

Witnesses described the suspect as having fair complexion, about 5/7 to 5/8 tall, slim built with chinky eyes.

Although the suspect could be connected to an extremist group, Magalong said they still do not rule out narcopolitics as one of the motives of the explosion.