One person died while three others were hurt after a grenade planted under the motorcycle of a policeman fell off and exploded in Mandaluyong City, the National Capital Region Police Office on Sunday said.
The fatality was identified as Roger Barcelo, 37, of Barangay Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong City while Rogelio Tolentino, 32; Merlina Bag-o, 52; and Edwin Rodas, 34, were rushed to Mandaluyong City Medical Center after sustaining shrapnel wounds caused by the explosion.
NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas said the incident took place on the south bound lane of Martinez Street in front of Botanical Garden, Mandaluyong City around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday.
S/Sgt. Aldin Saligo was on his way to the Operations Office of Mandaluyong City Police Station when he heard something fall off from his motorcycle.
Saligo stopped his vehicle about 10 meters from where the grenade fell and exploded.
Prior to the incident, Saligo and other operatives of the drug enforcement unit of the Mandaluyong City Police have received death threats, according to the investigators.
"The investigation is still ongoing and the elements of Mandaluyong City Police Station are scrutinizing all information to ascertain the probe on this case," Sinas said.
Col. Remigio Sedanto, Mandaluyong police chief, said the attempt on Saligo’s life may have been due to his work as anti-illegal drug operative.
Sedanto said assistance will be extended to the victims and their families.
