Glorietta report delayed; PNP denies cover-up

The Philippine National Police (PNP) asked the public for patience as they finalize their report on the Glorietta 2 shopping mall blast, a document earlier reported to be released in full today (Wednesday). Director Gen. Avelino Razon Jr, PNP chief, said Wednesday they expect to get a clearer picture of when they can release their final report when authorities sit down and discuss the October 19 incident anew. "We will meet again on the matter, as per instruction of Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno. We are aware the public is impatient to find out the final results of our investigation," Razon said in Filipino on dzMM radio. When asked to comment on speculations that the delay was meant to cover up some influential personalities, Razon quickly said, "wala po, wala po (none, none)." Eleven people died while over 100 others were injured in the explosion. Earlier, Puno was quoted by dzEC as saying that final report on the Glorietta blast was due to be released Wednesday. Puno said the report would confirm the gas blast theory and name those who may be criminally liable for the incident. However, Chief Superintendent Luizo Ticman, Southern Police District director, said the "deadline" will not be met as foreign experts allegedly sought an extension of their investigation. Ticman also cited "new evidence" in the case but refused to elaborate, though he said the evidence would not affect the PNP finding that a gas blast and not terrorism caused the explosion. A report by dzRH radio said the report may be due in January 2008. - GMANews.TV