DOJ creates Davao blast task force

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre has created a three-man task force to conduct a fact-finding investigation into the Sept. 2 explosion in Davao City.

Members of the team are Region 11 Prosecutor Janet Grace D. Fabrero, Davao City Prosecutor Nestor N. Ledesma and Atty. Arnold Rosales, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Chief Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office.

Aguirre designated Justice Undersecretary Antonio Kho to oversee the probe.

The team was required to submit a periodic report to Kho.

“In the interest of public service and pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, [the said personnel] and/or their duly authorized deputies and/or assistants are hereby directed to coordinate with each other and with personnel from other law enforcement agencies with regard to the investigation on the Sep. 2, 2016 explosion in Davao City,” Aguirre said in the Department Order 585 dated Sept. 3 but made public Tuesday.

READ: 3 eyed in Davao bombing

At least 14 people were killed and 68 injured  in the explosion at the Night Market in Davao City.

The explosion prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a state of lawlessness nationwide.

Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, has offered a P2-million reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for the bombing. CDG/rga

READ: Sara Duterte sacks Davao cop chief, task force head