PNP releases sketch of CDO blast possible suspects

PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima Monday released the computerized images of the possible suspects behind the fatal blast in a Cagayan De Oro City bistro which killed eight persons and wounded more than 40 others Friday

But Purisima refused to give further information about the three suspects, as investigations are still on to determine the specific participation of each.

"Itong mga sketches na ito lang ay mga probable [suspects]…evidence wise hindi pa but we have leads," Purisima said during the press conference held in PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Asked what kind of bomb might have been used in the blast, he said "It is still being investigated, kumpletuhin na muna natin ang data natin pag nakumpleto na saka natin discuss".

The first suspect was described to be around 26 to 30 years old, 5'5" to 5'6" and was wearing brown T-shirt and pants.

The second suspect, on the other hand, was said to be around 36 to 40 years old, standing 5'4" to 5'5", and was seen wearing a gray T-shirt, a cap and eye glasses.

The third suspect is about 40 years old, 5'5" to 5'6" in height, and was wearing brown T-shirt and pants.

He said the three were described by witnesses who were in the area when the blast occurred Friday at Kyla's Bistro in Cagayan de Oro around 11 p.m. Friday which resulted in eight people killed.

The PNP Chief also called on the public to report any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.

"I appeal to the Filipino people to renew our tried and tested partnership to fight this evil. Community involvement is essential in the fight against crime. Your information is essential no matter how small it is," Purisima said, adding the the public may relay their reports to PNP's twitter account @ireportangkrimen or through cellphone number 09178475757.

Purisima also assured the public that the police will investigate to determine who's behind the incident.

"I have already ordered all regional directors to conduct target hardening, kaya kelangan yung gagawin ng mga pulis natin ay protectionan yung mga kababayan natin," he said.

Purisima said they are also looking at lapses of first responders and police officers, especially in relation to the immediate clean-up of the crime scene, which hindered police investigation.

"Dapat yung isang blast area ay hindi ginagalaw, so it seems that the area has been tampered, nalinis na, but we are investigating this kung talagang nangyari yun because sa isang blast area makikita mo yung kung ano ang dapat makita like fragments, kung pano yung blast na nasira yung kapaligiran , it is part of our investigation, sino nagutos ng paglinis," he added

Because of this added challenge, and the "wide area" of the crime scene, Purisima said they could not yet jump to conclusions.

He also refused to say whether the police thought the attack was a terrorist act, but he assured the public, "we have leads, but ayaw natin i-dicuss ngayong investigation is ongoing; we are employing all the resources of the government actually pati LGUs ginagamit na natin dito, and hindi lang sa CDO kahit sa surrounding areas".

Purisima added the motives they are considering include whether the blast targeted a specific individual or was meant to sow chaos, or whether it was done to prevent visitors from coming to CDO.

"Actually lahat ng yan ay nagcoconduct ng victimology all of the victims are now being studied, kinakausap natin sila, pangalwa we are gathering information from our intel units, tapos yung mga data na nakuha sa crime scene, yun sa previous case natin so everybody is working right now in Cagayan de Oro," said Purisima. (PNA)