Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 8) — Police on Monday presented one of three suspects behind the April 28 Quiapo bombing that injured 14 people, a day before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit was held in Manila.
The suspect was identified as Abel Macaraya, said Manila Police District Director C/Supt. Joel Coronel. Macaraya has been charged with multiple frustrated murder and illegal possession of explosives, Coronel added in a media briefing on Monday.
Macaraya was arrested after eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage showed him placing a homemade pipe bomb on the corner of Quezon Boulevard corner Soler Street at around 10:12 p.m. on April 28.
Coronel said Macaraya helped plant the bomb to avenge his teenage brother-in-law, who was mauled by several individuals from a group named “Kahulugan” on April 27.
“I think he (the minor) was bodily harmed and because of this, the family of the minor, the family vowed to exact revenge against the perpetrators… The motive is to avenge the maltreatment of their younger brother,” Coronel said.
READ: PNP: Quiapo bombing a father’s revenge for mauled child
Macaraya is detained at the Manila Police District Headquarters. Coronel said the two other suspects, Raymond Mendoza and Ali Morong, remain at large.
Police are also looking into his connection to the two blasts that killed two and injured six in Quiapo on May 6.
READ: Two dead, 6 injured in Quiapo explosions
However, Coronel said according to initial investigations, it is unlikely that Macaraya had a hand in the Saturday bombing, although they have not ruled out that possibility.
In a separate 8 a.m. briefing also held on Monday, Philippine National Police Chief Ronald Dela Rosa called the case a “cleared case,” saying the suspects had already been identified, and a corresponding case, filed in court.
However, he clarified that “case cleared” was not synonymous to “case solved,” as some of the suspects remain at large.
Shops reopening
Meanwhile, the situation in Quiapo is slowly turning to normal as some shops reopen after the May 6 blasts.
Residents, however, told CNN Philippines they remain worried following the explosions.
As a precaution, Coronel advised couriers to be wary of having bombs or other dangerous items inside their shipments.
Devotees of the Black Nazarene who are looking to visit the Quiapo Church are likewise advised to stay calm but alert.
He said Plaza Miranda remains safe but bystanders should alert authorities if they see any suspicious activity.
