2008-07-05 21:29:39 - Comval gov offers P200-T cash reward for grenade throwers

NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley, Philippines

Governor Arthur Uy has offered a P200,000 reward for the capture of the grenade throwers, who killed three persons and severely injured 12 others inside a bakery in Nabunturan Poblacion, this province Thursday morning.

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Police Inspector Rey Tactacquin, officer-in-charge of the Nabunturan police station, said three unidentified motorcycle-riding men threw a hand grenade at the Park 'n Go bakery located at Poblacion Nabunturan around 12:45 a.m. Thursday.

The victims died on the spot while the 12 injured were taken to the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City.

Police identified the casualties as

Grace Agura, Reniel Campitan and Rodel Lambongon while some of the injured victims were Jay-Ar Valle, Noel Siva, Jelmar Jhon Savala, Jacqueline Diez, Chay Labonite, Tonette Ulyameha, Reynaldo Saplan, Charlito Piquisa, Juane Eliasano and Jade Postero, alias En-en.

The victims were inside the bakery when the explosion occurred.

Police said the bakery was the target after the owner refused to pay extortion money to the New People's Army (NPA).

Uy said it is possible that the same group was responsible for the killing of two members of the Philippine Army's special force in the same area last June 30. The soldiers were having their breakfast in Poblacion, Nabunturan.

Nabunturan police identified the victims as Sgt. Rizal Alcos and Pfc. Exequiel Estadian Alcos, both of 3rd Special Forces Battalion under 1003rd Infantry Brigade.

The suspects immediately fled after the incident, carting away the soldiers' M-16 Armalite rifle and M-14 rifle.

The governor said the Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial mobile group and the Philippine Army are now in hot pursuit of the rebels. (Balita Pinoy - Philippine News & Analysis)