Cordova explosion not related to terror
Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas clarified that the improvised explosive device (IED) that exploded in Barangay Buagsung, Cordova last Friday was not meant for any terroristic acts in Central Visayas.
Sinas said it was intended for illegal fishing. He said the improvised bomb maker, Alejandro Pil, 33, who is now in critical condition, had been making explosives for illegal fishing. He was also involved in the illegal drug trade.
"Maghimuay siya og kanang para sa bong-bong (dynamite fishing). Dili terrorism related," said Sinas.
According to Sinas, the suspect lost his right arm and sight because of the explosion.
Police recovered ½ kilo of Ammonium Nitrate and ¼ kilo of common nails which Pil used in making improvised explosives. There were also caliber .45 pistol with six live ammunition, caliber .357 revolver with four live ammunition, one live ammunition for caliber 50 and improvised explosive device recovered from his rented apartment.
Cordova Police Station chief Senior Insp. Janus Giangan said a medium pack of shabu and drug sniffing paraphernalia were also found in Pil's room. Giangan said the suspect is allegedly a member of a criminal gang in LapuLapu City.
Police investigation revealed that prior to the explosion last Friday the suspect threatened his live-in partner with the bomb because the latter already wanted to leave him.
"Nibuto ang bomba kay gusto na muhawa sa iyaha ang iyang live-in partner tapos midagan ang babae gihadlok siya nga sindihan to ang bomba. Karon gisindihan niya wala naman napatay ang fuse mao iyang paglabay kani ilang pultahan niigo daw dito nibalik sa iyaha," said Sinas.
The incident was allegedly witnessed by two of Pil's friends who immediately run after the suspect lighted the explosive. Sinas said they are now conducting follow up operation to identify the two. —
Ermida Q. Moradas/FPL