Gonzalez forms prosecution panel for Glorietta blast

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez formed yesterday a panel to handle the preliminary investigation of 15 people accused of responsibility for the explosion that rocked the Glorietta 2 shopping mall in Makati last year.

Named to the panel werre Senior State Prosecutor Leo Dacera, head and State Prosecutors Ma. Emilia Victorio and Eden Wakay-Valdes.

The date of the preliminary investigation has not yet been set.

Gonzalez said he will still review the recommendation of the Multi-Agency Investigation Task Force that found negligence of the 15 led to the blast that killed 11 people and injured scores of others.

“I want to review it first before it is sent to the prosecutors,” he said. “I have the final say who are the respondents. I want to see those who are charged there are the proper persons to be indicted.”

The MAITF ruled the blast was caused by apparent failure of the 15 people to observe “due care and diligence” to prevent the accident.

It recommended the filing of charges against nine people for reckless imprudence/gross negligence resulting in multiple homicide, physical injuries and damage to property.         – Mike Frialde