PNP Makes Significant Progress in Gov Oaminal Attack Investigation

PNP Makes Significant Progress in Gov Oaminal Attack Investigation

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental | via Bhal Cabrera | October 24, 2023 

The Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office (MOPPO) is making headway in the investigation of the recent attack on Governor Oaminal, which occurred on October 15. Provincial Director PCol. Dwight Monato revealed that they have identified persons and vehicles of interest linked to the bombing incident.

In a statement during the Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting, October 23, 2023 Director Monato provided an update on the ongoing investigation, sharing details about the crime scene and the explosive device used. The incident took place some distance away from Aya Hotel, near the Clarin Business Center, where the governor had just left.

Monato presented images of the actual blast site, the positions of the convoy, and the location of the improvised explosive device (IED). He explained that among the four vehicles in the convoy, only the first two bore the brunt of the blast, while the third vehicle, carrying the governor, suffered minor damage to the hood. Fortunately, none of the 14 people on board were injured.

The investigation confirmed that the blast was caused by an IED, specifically a homemade bomb. The Forensic Unit's analysis identified Ammonium Nitrate as the explosive material used, commonly employed in mining. The motive behind the attack appears to be a combination of political and personal factors.

"Based on our EOD experts, the content of the explosive is about 2 kilos, and shrapnel is about 1/1 inch in diameter, making it a highly destructive component," Director Monato stated.

Statements have been collected from individuals who were part of the convoy, including the governor, to piece together the sequence of events. Additionally, authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity of the blast site to identify possible suspects.

The use of a cell phone as a triggering device has been confirmed, prompting investigators to focus on locating the person who made the triggering call. Security for the governor has been significantly reinforced, and discussions are ongoing with security officers to provide additional police presence to protect residents and key areas.

Tracker teams have been established to track down suspects based on their descriptions and the vehicles used in the vicinity of the blast site. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts through checkpoints, Oplan Bakal, and Sita operations, as well as border control measures to prevent further incidents and intercept potential perpetrators. The PNP is determined to bring those responsible for this attack to justice as soon as possible.