Murder suspect killed by homemade bomb

MANILA, Philippines - A murder suspect was killed while his cousin sustained injuries when an improvised explosive device exploded in their house in Pasig City Sunday.

The explosion left Archival Comsti, 36, a resident of Barangay Kapasigan with third-degree burns and both his hands severed. He was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Paul Omania of the Rizal Medical Center at about 12:35 a.m. yesterday.

His cousin, Christopher Catura, 35, is being treated at the same hospital.

Witnesses said Comsti was walking around the Calle Industria Compound on Blumentritt street holding a cellular phone wrapped in electrical tape when it exploded at about 11:45 p.m. Sunday.

The blast was so powerful that it shattered the roof and windows of neighboring houses, police said.

Neighbors rushed Comsti and Catura to the hospital.

Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Francisco Manalo ordered an investigation into the explosion.