Gov't searches for 2 'persons of interest' in bus blast

MANILA, Philippines - Law enforcers are searching for 2 "persons of interest" who can give information about the deadly EDSA bus blast that killed 5 people and injured 13 others last Tuesday.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Metro Manila police chief Nicanor Bartolome said the 2 persons are not considered suspects yet "but we will need them so they can inform us or help us in the solution of this case."

Based on witnesses' accounts, he said 2 persons boarded the Newman Goldline bus at Heritage Hotel on Roxas Boulevard and paid fare up to EDSA Ayala. He said 2 were carrying a black bag that may have contained the 81-mm mortar used to blow up the bus.



The 2 disembarked before reaching the Ayala bus stop, witnesses said.

"They were seated exactly at the 6th row where the bomb was positioned. We are looking for them because they may be able to contribute to the solution of the case. They are not being considered suspects but persons of interest," Bartolome told reporters.

The first person was described as between 5'5''-5'7'' in height, medium built, fair complexion, between 30-35 years old and weighing 70-75 kilograms. The second person was said to be between 30-35 years old, medium built, fair complexion and weighing 70-75 kg.

Director General Raul Bacalzo, Philippine National Police chief, said the Aquino administration is offering P1 million reward for the arrest of the EDSA bus bombers and the solving of the case.

He said the police have not ruled out any angle in the investigation and have not identified any particular group that could be responsible for the attack.

Metro a 'continuing, aspirational' target

For his part, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia said a possible terror attack in Metro Manila is a "continuing threat" since the region is considered an "aspirational target" for terror groups.

He, however, added that not all threat groups have the capability to carry out an attack in Metro Manila.

He said the government is actively monitoring groups that might have the capability to carry out terror threats.

Bartolome said the PNP launched various security measures to prevent a repeat of Tuesday's deadly attack.

The measures include deployment of 300 bus marshalls in Metro Manila, security surveys of different establishments to improve security coverage and meetings with barangay peacekeeping action teams.

source: abs-cbnnews.com/