By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Police have arrested a 34-year-old man who was seriously injured after an explosive device he was allegedly handling detonated in front of the Sta. Ana Public Market on Monday evening, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Dominic Garcia y Dulin, now faces charges for violating Republic Act No. 9516, the law strengthening penalties for the illegal possession, manufacture, sale and handling of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
According to the Manila Police District (MPD), the explosion occurred at around 6 p.m. on Aug. 3 along the vicinity of Sta. Ana Market, Barangay 879, Sta. Ana, Manila.
Initial police investigation showed that Garcia had been rushed to Sta. Ana Hospital after sustaining multiple injuries to both hands and the abdominal area.
Investigators said Garcia allegedly told authorities that he had earlier found an unidentified object inside a trash bin near his residence and decided to keep it instead of reporting it to authorities.
Police said Garcia later brought the object with him while riding his motorcycle. While seated on the motorcycle, he allegedly examined the device and pulled out what appeared to be its safety pin.
Moments later, the object reportedly heated up before exploding in his hands, causing serious injuries.
Responding personnel from the Manila Police District Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and the MPD Forensic Unit immediately secured the scene and conducted a technical examination of the blast site.
Authorities also recovered the clothing worn by Garcia at the time of the explosion for forensic analysis, including tests for explosive residue and other trace evidence that may help determine the nature of the device.
Following the initial investigation, police officers from Police Station 6 placed Garcia under arrest for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9516.
Authorities said Garcia was informed of his constitutional rights in Tagalog, a language he fully understood, before being taken into police custody.
Police said Garcia remains under custodial investigation while authorities await the results of forensic examinations, the MPD-EOD technical report, medico-legal findings and sworn statements from witnesses.
The completed case records will be submitted to the Office of the Manila City Prosecutor for the filing of appropriate criminal charges.
Police have yet to determine the exact type and origin of the explosive device, and investigators are continuing efforts to establish how it ended up in the suspect’s possession.
ia/xf
