Bomb found on bus; NCR cops on alert

Bomb disposal experts of the Western Police District (WPD) detonated a bomb that was left inside a public utility bus in Quiapo, Manila on Christmas Eve, police officials said yesterday.

The bomb could have inflicted considerable damage and loss of lives if it had exploded, according to officers of the WPD’s Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD).

Police, however, refused to divulge the type and make of the bomb, pending laboratory analysis.

"All we can say is that the explosive device was assembled by an expert, and can be detonated only by a bomb disposal expert. It is the handiwork of a trained bomber," the official, who requested anonymity, revealed.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Avelino Razon, placed the Metro police force on alert after the discovery of the bomb. He ordered WPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong to investigate the planting of the bomb.

Reports gathered by The STAR showed the driver of a G-Liner Transit bus (PWX-103) called the police shortly before midnight when he became suspicious of a traveling bag left at the rear portion of the bus.

According to the driver, all his passengers disembarked upon reaching Liwasang Bonifacio in Ermita, Manila. The bus was set to continue its Cainta, Rizal route and stopped at a Quiapo terminal, where it usually picks up passengers.

Before the start of the trip, however, he driver inspected the bus and discovered a traveling bag under a seat at the rear portion of the vehicle.

A Manila police bomb disposal team confirmed the presence of a bomb inside the bag and successfully detonated it. The bomb was then brought at the WPD-EOD for analysis.

The bus driver, Felix Empernace, could not remember who among his passengers was carrying the bag.

Razon said police will impose tighter security at all public transportation terminals as well as private and vital government installations in Metro Manila until the end of the holidays.

"Even during the holidays, we will be working double time to prevent criminal and terrorist groups from taking advantage of the situation in the metropolis," Razon told The Star in an interview.

In his directive to his five district directors, Razon ordered tight security measures at airports, seaports, churches, shopping malls, commercial centers, stations of the Light Railway Transit (LRT), Metro Rail Transit (MRT), oil depots and oil firm offices and bus terminals in Metro Manila.

Razon said bomb experts from the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) are examining the bomb to determine its origin and possibly the group who planted it.

"We have no leads as yet but we are working overtime to identify the source of the bomb," he said.

In his directive, Razon also called for intensified intelligence gathering and sharing to prevent criminal and terrorist groups from launching attacks in the metropolis.

The NCRPO chief called on bus operators and owners to conduct rigid checking of personal belongings of passengers.

He also called for the strict implementation of checkpoint operations in strategic areas of Metro Manila to prevent any group from sneaking in bombs and high-powered firearms.

"We should be on the lookout for explosives and all sorts of firearms so we can maintain peace and stability in the metropolis," Razon said.

Police sources said the planting of the bomb could have been a tactic by disgruntled groups to test the preparedness of the NCRPO during the holidays. Razon said the NCRPO is on top of the peace and order situation in Metro Manila and is ready for any eventuality.

He urged barangay leaders, concerned citizens and security guards to report suspicious-looking individuals so police can react accordingly.

"We are well-prepared to meet head on the threats of criminal syndicates and terrorist groups, but we cannot do our job alone," Razon said.