MANILA – Grab Philippines on Sunday condemned the twin bombings that killed two people, including a Grab Express partner, in Quiapo, Manila, late Saturday (May 6), and said it was cooperating fully in the police investigation.
In a statement, the ride-hailing app company said, “We are deeply saddened the incident took the lives of two civilians, including one of our GrabExpress partners,” who was not named.
Besides the GrabExpress partner, a caretaker at the building near the Islamic Center who had received the package delivered by the apparently unsuspecting messenger also died when the package blew up past 5pm Saturday.
Police have invited two men for questioning, including a Muslim lawyer who was reportedly the target of the package sender.
“Our prayers go out to those who perished, and we extend our sympathies and deepest condolences to their loved ones,” said the Grab local office’s statement.
Added Grab Philippines, “We are one with authorities in pursuing justice for those who needlessly lost their lives and were hurt. We pledge our full support and cooperation in the conduct of their investigation.”
According to the statement, “Grab and our GrabExpress partners will remain vigilant and work with the police to take extra care in areas that may be identified as at risk for such incidences.”
Asked if that meant some Grab Partners, especially from the increasingly popular GrabExpress service being used to send packages and other urgently items, could be quietly avoiding places like Quiapo where three explosions have occurred since April 29, a company official declined comment.
With respect to the ongoing investigation – where police officers from NCRPO and the Manila Police District have ruled out a terrorist group’s attack – Grab Philippines said, “we will refrain from giving any other details and let the proper authorities make further statements.”