Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Authorities recovered in Bulacan another improvised explosive device (IED) brought by the suspects behind the foiled bombing near the U.S. Embassy. They say it’s a much more destructive bomb.
Philippine National Police Chief Director General Roland Dela Rosa presented on Thursday the IED, whose main component is a 105mm Howitzer ordnance.
Explaining the damage that could have been caused by the recovered IED, he said, “Malakas ito. Around 75 to 80 meters ang kaniyang radius. Kung nagsiksikan ang mga tao, 200 to 300 katao ang kayang patayin nito sa isang bagsakan. Ganoon kalakas ito. Kanyon ito!. Mas malakas ito dahil 105mm Howitzer. Yung sa Davao, 60mm mortar lang.”
[Translation: This is a strong one. Its (casualty) radius is around 75 to 80 meters. In a crowded area, it could have killed 200 to 300 people… It is that destructive. This is a cannon! This is more powerful because it’s a 105mm Howitzer. The one in Davao was just a 60mm mortar round.]
The blast in the Davao night market last September killed 15 people and injured dozens.
There was no information yet as to where the suspects would have planted the IED — but Dela Rosa said it was “ready to explode.”
He said it is a military unexploded ordnance (Uxo) or an unexploded bomb. It could have been either from military operations in Mindanao, or there was pilferage from the military supply.
The police detonated the second IED using a water cannon disruptor.
Dela Rosa said the third suspect, Mohammad Jumao-as, told them the location of the second IED. The suspect said the IED left near the U.S. Embassy, as well as the one found in Bulacan, were transported from Mindanao to Metro Manila. They were hidden using pillows during checkpoints.
Dela Rosa added the fourth suspect in the foiled bombing was found in Zambales and is now in the custody of the authorities.
