Cop tagged in Metro Manila bombings charged

MANILA, Philippines—Murder charges have been filed against a policeman tagged in the bombing of a bus along EDSA-Makati in January last year that killed five people and injured 14 others, a police official said Wednesday.

The policeman was also linked to several bombing incidents in Metro Manila.

National Capital Region Police Office director, Chief Superintendent Alan Purisima, said charges of multiple murder and frustrated murder have been filed before the Makati City Regional Trial Court against Police Officer 2 Arnold Mayo, a member of Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force.

Purisima said Mayo was positively identified by the bus driver of Newman Goldliner bus (plate number TXJ-710, body number 40402) as the one who left the sack that contained the explosive device.

Purisima said the investigation on Mayo started after a World War II bomb exploded on Daisy Street corner Sto. Nino, Purok 1 in Lower Bicutan, Taguig, last January 25. The bomb went off when Mayo, along with Police Officer 3 Jose Toralba, tried to dismantle its shell.

He was also tagged in the Salcedo Village blast in Makati two days before the explosion in Taguig.

Mayo has been under SAF’s custody since the Taguig blast, Purisima added.

Although charges have been filed against Mayo, police have yet to determine his motive behind the attacks.

One angle being pursued is that money may have been involved, he said. Jamie Marie Elona