Cops used welding equipment on bomb

MANILA, Philippines – The 3 police officers who attempted to defuse a vintage bomb in a welding shop in Taguig last Wednesday were not authorized to do so, a police official said Thursday.

Philippine National Police-Special Action Force Director Catalino Cuy said that PO3 Jose Turalba, PO2 Elizalde Vizaya and PO2 Arnold Mayo informed him that they would only be withdrawing money from a bank.

“[Sabi nila] pupunta sila sa Landbank to encash a check,” said Cuy.

However, the 3 went to a welding shop in Lower Bicutan and tried to defuse the vintage mortar shell but failed.

They returned to the shop in the afternoon and tried to use welding equipment but the bomb exploded.

Turalba and Vizaya, both members of the explosive and ordnance division of the PNP-SAF, were instantly killed in the blast.

A total of 4 people were killed while 11 others were injured in the blast.

Mayo was wounded and remains confined at a hospital.

Investigation is now focused on the injured cop, who might be able to provide details on the bomb’s origin.

“Hindi pa namin alam kung saan nila nakuha ‘yan eh. Hindi pa makausap si Mayo, baka alam niya kung kanino,” said Cuy.

Cuy added that it was also not in their line of duty since defusing a bomb requires strict procedures. Police said they should have reported the bomb to their unit.

“You cannot just blow that in place in a crowded area, kaya pagtitiyagaan mo talagang i-safe muna ‘yan then bring it out,” Cuy said.

Forensic experts are trying to determine the exact type of explosive involved in the blast. -- Report from Maan Macapagal, ABS-CBN News