Cops probe Marikina blast that hurt 5

MANILA, Philippines—Police said in a belated report that five people were hurt after being caught in an explosion in Marikina City on Saturday evening.

The Marikina Police identified the victims as Venus Gapultos, 34, Jovan Bag, 28, Richard Bejoc, 34, John Paul Cañal, 16, and Angeline Doctor, 32.

Police said unidentified men hurled something at the victims at the corner of G. del Pilar and Paraiso streets, Barangay (village) Parang, Marikina City, at around 8 p.m. on Saturday.

According to a report by Senior Superintendent Reynaldo Jagmis, the victims told investigators that they were at the area when two men, riding on a motorcycle, passed by and hurled what is believed to be explosive. Moments later, an explosion rocked the area. No significant damage to property was reported and the five victims sustained only minor injuries.

Jagmis said the victims did not have the time to take note of distinguishing marks on the motorcycle or of the men, as the attack happened too fast.

The five victims were taken to the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, and were discharged after receiving treatment.

Jagmis refused to comment on any possible motive of the attack and would not say if the victims were really the attackers’ targets, as he said that police were still investigating the explosion.