The ‘bomb hurler’ as described by a street vendor —PNP PHOTO
The US State Department has issued a travel warning for Americans bound for or in the Philippines following Monday’s discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) some 250 meters from the US Embassy in Manila.
In its travel advisory on Tuesday, the US State Department reminded its citizens traveling to or in the Philippines to be vigilant and take steps to ensure their personal safety.
“The authorities have not yet determined which individuals and/or organizations may be responsible, nor have they established whether or not the Embassy was the intended target,” the message said.
It advised Americans to “review (their) personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”
Philippine National Police chief Director General Roland Dela Rosa earlier noted that the home-made bomb was similar to the one used in the Sept. 2 explosion that killed 15 people at a night market in Davao City, hometown of President Duterte.
Dela Rosa said Islamic militants who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group were probably behind what he called “an attempted act of terrorism” apparently meant to “loosen” military operations against the militants in Lanao del Sur.
Suspect’s image out
The PNP chief on Tuesday released a computerized facial composite of the man who allegedly hurled the package containing the IED into a trash bin on Roxas Boulevard around 2 a.m. on Monday.
The man, who was then in a white taxicab, was described to be around 44 to 45 years old, 5’ 5” in height, of medium build and with fair complexion.
Dela Rosa said the description was provided by a street vendor, who will receive a token of appreciation from the PNP.
In a press briefing at the Quezon City Police District headquarters, Dela Rosa said the PNP “theory” that the Maute terror group was behind the incident “stays.”
“We still don’t know if [the suspect himself] is a terrorist who drove a taxi, or was simply ordered by the terrorist group to place the bomb in exchange for money,” he added. “This bomb may have long been hidden by Maute here, and was just placed now to create a diversionary move.” —JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE AND JHESSET O. ENANO