Bong Pineda's house in Lubao bombed

A bomb blast Friday morning rocked the mansion of alleged jueteng lord Rodolfo "Bong" Pineda in Lubao, Pampanga. Pampanga police said that the improvised explosive device was apparently thrown by unidentified men. It exploded near Pineda's gate, causing some damage. No injuries were reported following the incident. Senior Superintendent Leonardo Espina, Pampanga police chief, said local law enforcers were now trying to get to the bottom of the matter. "It was a small improvised explosive thrown near the gate. We are looking for witnesses who can shed light on the incident," GMA 7's DZBB quoted Espina as saying. Pineda, who has been closely associated with President Arroyo, did not immediately issue a statement. Both Mrs. Arroyo and Pineda hail from Lubao town. Last June 1, two explosions injured Batangas Gov. Armando Sanchez and killed two of his aides during an apparent bomb attack by unidentified assailants. The incident happened right in front of the Batangas provincial capitol. Among the angles being explored is the purported dispute on jueteng operations in Batangas.-GMANews.TV