De Lima: Grenade-thrower in Bar exam blast already identified

Investigators already know the identity of the person who exploded the grenade among the post-Bar examination crowd in Manila last month, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Saturday. De Lima, however, did not publicly identify the suspect, but urged the person to immediately surrender to authorities. “We know who you are and it’s just a matter of time before we get you," she said in a text message to reporters on Saturday night. The justice secretary also warned persons protecting the suspect that they could be implicated in the case. “For those who are coddling him or giving him aid or refuge, be forewarned that the long arm of the law will also reach you. Appropriate charges will also be filed against you," she said. More than 40 people were hurt in the September 26 grenade blast that occurred just outside the De La Salle University (DLSU) campus along Taft Avenue in Manila. (See: 42 hurt as blast mars last day of Bar exams in Manila) The blast marred the traditional "Salubong," where relatives, classmates and other well-wishers greet the law graduates who have just finished four successive weekends of the grueling Bar exams. The Bar exams this year were held at the DLSU Taft campus. Jed Carlo Lazaga, a fourth year law student of the University of San Jose Recoletos Law School in Cebu province, was earlier accused as the one who allegedly threw the grenade. However, Lazaga denied the allegation and accused members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity of mugging him on suspicion that he was responsible for the blast. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) released last Tuesday an artist’s sketch of one of the suspects in the explosion, following a probe on the incident. (See: NBI releases artist's sketch of Bar exam blast suspect) The Supreme Court has also formed a committee to look into the blast, which injured at least 42 people.—JV, GMANews.TV