PNP chief wants probe into explosions at Bicol University campus

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of the Philippine National Police ordered the PNP's regional office in Bicol to thoroughly investigate the two explosions that occurred inside the Legazpi City campus of Bicol University on Sunday night.

Citing reports reaching his office, Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said that the explosions came one after the other at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The Explosives and Ordinance Group of Police Regional Office 5 immediately responded to the incident. 

“I directed the regional police leadership to coordinate with the University officials to discuss security measures in order to prevent [a] repeat of this incident,” said Eleazar. 

"Even though there is not much activity of students and teachers inside the campus due to the pandemic, our police still need to be alert against these types of attacks," he added.

Police Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said earlier that two shells from an M203 grenade launcher were recovered in the grass surrounding the incident area.

Bicol police have been on high alert since the start of the period for filing certificates of candidacy for the 2022 elections.

The PNP chief in his statement also appealed to those who have information about the explosions to come forward and help authorities in investigating the incident.

There were no reported casualties in the incident.