Aquino orders security execs to resolve Makati blast incident

STA. ELENA, Iligan City—President Benigno Aquino on Wednesday said he has tasked security and intelligence officials to focus on resolving the explosion that occurred in an empty lot in Makati City on Monday.

The President said the government has yet to identify the person or group responsible for the explosion at a vacant lot in Salcedo Village during the Chinese New Year.

No one was injured in Monday’s explosion but it caused damage to establishments and cars parked nearby.

“I asked security forces to further conduct the hardening of targets … to reduce the chances of some elements to spark terror or cause damage,” Aquino told reporters here, where he helped in the painting of one of the houses being put up for families displaced by Tropical Storm “Sendong.”

The President also said there would be more police visibility and that barangay watchmen would also join in foot patrols.

Aquino said he has also instructed security and intelligence officials to resolve as well last year’s bus bombing in Makati.

He said he wanted “task-specific groups” to be designated for this assignment.

Despite the latest blast incident, Aquino said the country was “not any worse off” compared to other countries.