TACLOBAN CITY - Police Chief Supt Elmer C. Beltejar, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) expressed high hopes that the Special Investigation Task Group – Hilongos (SITG Hilongos) will soon identify the suspects of Hilongos Blast on the evening of December 28, 2016 at the Plaza Rizal in Brgy. Central Poblacion, Hilongos, Leyte. (http://www.calbayogjournal.com/task-group-hilongos-created)

Review of the hard drive recording of the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) and initial investigation disclosed that prior to the explosion and while the amateur boxing event held at the municiality’s Plaza Rizal was going on, three (3) unidentified male suspects were seen discreetly leaving the blast sites near the boxing ring as captured by the CCTV.

“We already have a lead towards identifying the suspects which may help in resolving the incident but we cannot divulge information as yet to avoid compromising the on-going investigation,” SITG-Hilongos Commander, PSSupt. Allan T. Cuevillas said.

Examination of the blast scene conducted by the SOCO operatives yielded fragments of the 60mm and 81mm mortar projectile (detonated by cellphones) that were placed in two separate locations.

The blast on December 28, 2016 injured thirty-two (32) persons. http://www.calbayogjournal.com/32-listed-wounded-victims-no-deaths-in-hilongos-leyte-blast. As of latest data provided by PRO 8, from the 32 persons injured, only three (3) are left confined and are being treated at the Leyte Provincial Hospital in Palo, Leyte. (CJ/jmm/MEL CASPE)