PNP releases sketches of 3 CDO blast suspects

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday released the computerized images of three suspects in last Friday's bombing of a bistro in Cagayan de Oro City, which left eight people dead and dozens more wounded.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima presented the computerized images of the three suspects before the media at a press conference in Camp Crame.

“Itong mga sketches na ito lang ay mga probable [suspects] . . . evidence wise hindi pa but we have leads,” Purisima said.

Purisima said that the first suspect was 5” 5 to 5”6 in height, weights 60 to 65 kilograms, has a fair complexion and between 20 and 30 years old. The suspect was wearing a brown T-shirt and a long pants.

The second suspect is at least 40 years old, weighs 60 to 65 kilograms, has a fair complexion, 5” 5 to 5”6 in height and was also wearing a brown T-shirt and pants.

The third suspect was medium built, aged between 36 and 40, with a fair complexion, height is 5” 4 to 5”5, weighs 60 to 65 kilograms. He was wearing a gray T-shirt a cap and eyeglasses.

Purisima said that the three computer generated images were based on descriptions given by the surviving victims and several witnesses in the blast that ripped through Kyla's Bistro at around 11 p.m.

Six people died at the blast site and two more died on Sunday night and Monday morning.

The fatalities were identified as Atty. Antonio Paredes, Dr. Erwin Malanay, Dr. Marciano Agustin, Unilab executive Reynaldo Dalupan and pharmaceutical representatives Manny Falafox, Anthony Canete and Ryan Saso Estose.

Nearly 50 more were reported injured in the blast.

Purisima would not say if the attack was carried out by a terrorist group.

He said police investigators are already following several leads.

"Ayaw natin i-dicuss ngayong investigation is ongoing. We are employing all the resources of the government actually pati LGUs ginagamit na natin dito, and hindi lang sa CDO kahit sa surrounding areas," he said.