Davao Mayor raises PHP2M bounty for info on Davao bombers; asks relief of city police, TF chiefs

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Monday, attends wake of Kristia Gaile Bisnon, one of the 14 fatalities in the Davao City blast on September 2, Friday. (Facebook photo)

DAVAO CITY—City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has raised a total of PHP2-million reward for those who can provide information on the location and identity of the suspects of Friday’s explosion at the night market along Roxas Avenue.

This was announced during Monday’s flag-raising rites by Mayor Sara, who said of the total bounty, PHP1 million will go to who can give information on the suspects’ whereabouts and PHP 1 million for those who can bring to her the suspects.

Meanwhile, the mayor has asked the relief of Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Michael John Dubria and Task Force commander Col. Henry Robinson.

Both officials assumed their respective posts in June 2016.

She also announced the appointment of Col. Benny de Leon as the new chief of the Public Safety and Security Command Center, which also houses the Emergency Central 911.

Mayor Sara expressed disappointment over the explosion given that both police and the Task Force have assigned teams to secure Roxas Avenue especially the night market area where thousands, young and old, frequent the night market to dig through second hand items commonly known as “ukay-ukay”, eat out at food stalls and avail of affordable massage services.

Last Saturday, Mayor Sara led a memorial mass for the victims of the explosion which left 14 persons dead and 70 wounded based on the official list of the city government.

Mayor Sara reassured the city government’s full support to the families. The city will shoulder all financial needs for hospitalization, burial, funeral and day to day expenses.

“I am sorry for what happened,” she said, adding, “We will not be terrorized by this heinous crime and I call on all Dabawenyos to unite and let us help each other rise from this senseless incident.”

The mayor called on all Davaoenos to remain vigilant at all times and to report any and all suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

Earlier, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa announced they have already three persons of interest who could have blown off the improvised explosive device.

Initial findings showed that the IED is crafted from a mortar round based on the fragments taken from the blast area.

According to dela Rosa, the explosive is closely similar to the signature IED of Abdul Manap Mentang, the suspect in the Valentine’s Day bombing of the Davao City Ecoland Terminal in 2005.

Dela Rosa said it could be possible that Mentang is involved in the night market explosion at the Roxas market last Friday night.