PNP: Disgruntled workers may be behind ‘faint’ blast at Naia

FILE PHOTO: PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo answers questions from reporters after a media briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, on April 25, 2023. INQUIRER.net /Faith Argosino

MANILA, Philippines — Disgruntled airport employees could be behind what authorities described as a “faint explosion” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 last September 23, police said.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said the individuals who are considered “persons of interest” are now under surveillance.

“May mga tinitignan po sila na possibly mga disgruntled na mga individual na nagtatrabaho sa loob at tinitignan nila dyan kung maaring ito ba ay may kinalaman dito dahil nga based sa initial assessment and findings nga po, ‘yung initsa nga po na Molotov ay hindi naman talaga siya meant to harm or injure dahil nga mahinang klase,” Fajardo told reporters Monday.

(They are looking at some people who are possibly disgruntled individuals working inside and what they are looking into is if they might have something to do with this because based on the initial assessment and findings, the Molotov that was thrown is not really meant to harm or injure because it is a weak kind.)

Based on reports, people at Naia heard a weak explosion from the airport’s open parking space. The blast damaged three vehicles.

Officials of the PNP and the Manila International Airport Authority immediately launched a probe into the incident.

Fajardo said they are working to make sure that it will not happen again, especially in crowded areas such as airports.

The PNP spokesperson also said more police officers, as well as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and K9 personnel, were deployed to secure Naia.

“Sila po ay round the clock pong umiikot ngayon to make sure [that] including ‘yung mga parking, especially those near doon sa mga outside residence po, at malapit sa airport ay nagdagdag na po tayo ng security,” Fajardo said.

(They are patrolling round the clock now to make sure that including the parking lots, especially the nearby residences and areas near the airport, we have added security.)

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