3 persons of interest in Quiapo twin blasts in police custody

Three persons of interest in the twin explosions in Quiapo, Manila last May 6 have been taken under police custody.

A report on GMA News’ Unang Balita on Wednesday said the three persons of interest were taken from Subic, Zambales and brought to the Manila Police District.

Police said the three persons of interest were seen before and during the twin explosions, which killed two persons and injured six others.

“They were invited and brought for questioning because we have information that they were present during the bombings,” MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel said in a statement released by the office of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

“But based on the investigation conducted, there’s no evidence to establish that they are connected with the bombings,” Coronel aid, adding that the trio are due for release anytime.

With the incident still under investigation, Estrada said he directed the MPD to further intensify the manhunt for the perpetrators of the May 6 Quiapo blasts.

The first explosion was caused by an explosive contained in a package delivered by a Grab Express rider for a Shiite Muslim cleric and a Bureau of Internal Revenue official Nasser Abinal.

The Grab Express rider and the man who received the package for Abinal were killed in the blast.

The second blast, meanwhile, injured two policemen who were clearing the site of the first blast.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa earlier said they are eyeing personal grudge as a motive behind the bomb attack. —Marlly Rome C. Bondoc/ALG/RSJ, GMA News