DAVAO CITY – One person was killed and three others were injured an explosion on Monday night, August 7, outside Emragila Restobar on Roman Diaz St., Barangay Calinan Poblacion, Calinan District, here.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) identified the fatality as Romnick C. Nortarte, 31, a resident of Sitio Acasia, Barangay Tamugan, Marilog District, this city.
Police Capt. Hazel Tuazon, DCPO spokesperson, said injured were Emilita R. Alegarme, 48; Loribeth Toting Ñocyeo, 50, and Rey Caresosa Agliones, 32.
Tuazon said Alegarme noticed a white plastic bag on the window of the establishment. She said it suddenly exploded when she picked it up.
Victims were immediately rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Clinic here where Nortarte was declared dead and the others still under observation.
Tuazon told Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) that an investigation is being conducted to determine the type of explosive used.
She said that authorities have a suspect who could be the person behind the explosion but she declined to provide any details, pending the result of the investigation and filing of a complaint before the City Prosecutor’s Office.
Tuazon said the incident was not a terrorist attack but a personal grudge, particularly “a crime of passion.”
She assured the public that the month-long celebration of Kadayawan Festival here remains secure.
Tuazon said around 10,000 security personnel would be deployed starting Tuesday, August 8, to secure the city during the festival.