PNP to file multiple murder raps vs. suspect in Davao City blast

Davao City Police chief Senior Supt. Michael John Dubria on Wednesday said multiple murder charges are about to be filed against the primary suspect in the Sept. 2 Roxas night market explosion that claimed the lives of 15 people.

"We identified the primary suspect and we will be filing a case against him today," Dubria said during news conference in Davao City.

Dubria added they have identified the suspect through the personal account of the witnesses who were at the night market on at the time of the bombing.

"We had an investigation process that we are following and then all of this information are coming from [the] witnesses themselves," he said. 

"Our investigation procedure is very elaborate. We cover all areas and we are finding the persons of interest. We interviewed most of the witnesses and most of the victims," he added.

Vicenta Depalubos Asperin, who was six months pregnant, became the latest fatality in the explosion after being comatose for several.

Based on witnesses' accounts, the PNP found evidenciary statements pointing to the primary suspect whose composite sketch was earlier released. 

"Meron tayo[ng] evidenciary statements pointing to one primary suspect. We are able to describe that suspect through artist sketch, through their personal encounter and also from the pictures presented to the witnesses," Dubria said.

The Davao Police chief cited substantial affidavits from the witnesses, the victims, and also from the families of the victims.

Asked if the suspect is still within Davao City, Dubria replied the PNP is still gathering information to track him down.

Meanwhile, Dubria mentioend the PNP is in cognizance with the Armed Forces and other intelligence units to determine the affiliation of the suspect to any terrorist groups.

"The PNP, AFP, and all other intelligence units are coordinating to determine what group is behind this and who are the masterminds," he said. — RSJ, GMA News