Grenade blast rocks Burnham park office in Baguio, 3 hurt

At least three people were reported injured after a grenade explosion rocked an office at Burnham Park in Baguio City early Sunday, police said.

 

But Cordillera regional police head Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong reassured visitors and tourists the incident did not affect the ongoing Panagbenga flower festival.

 

"Nagkaroon ng slight injuries sa tatlo, pinaimbestiga natin (Three people were slightly injured in the blast, and we are investigating it now)," Magalong said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

The dzBB report said the explosion hit the office of the "Anti Crime Volunteer" group.

 

It cited initial reports that identified the three injured as Jenard Palomique, Joseph Espadz, and security guard Gilbert Salvador.

 

Citing initial reports, Magalong said the incident occurred at 6:45 a.m.

 

"Definite kami grenade explosion at may nagtapon sa opisina nila (Defintely it was a grenade explosion, someone threw a grenade at the office)," he said.

 

He also said they are following up "potential leads" on the motive of the incident.

 

Magalong did not elaborate but said the group had received threats.

 

"Mukhang may nakaaway sila at nagalit sa kanila ... dahil involved sa ating anticrime campaign (It appears the group made enemies due to its involvement in our anticrime campaign)," he said.

 

Panagbenga not affected

 

However, Magalong maintained this will not affect security preparations for Panagbenga, whose grand parade was scheduled Sunday.

 

Several tourists are visiting Baguio City for the Panagbenga.

 

"It will not pose a threat sa pag-celebrate ng Panagbenga (What happened early today will not pose a threat to the Panagbenga celebration)," Magalong said.

 

As of 8 a.m., Magalong said the Panagbenga activities were going well.  — ELR, GMA News