Motorcycle rider hurls explosive at Malate police outpost

June 23, 2017 - 8:33 AM
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Police tape off the scene of the explosion in Malate, Manila. (photo by Jennylyn Calimon, News5)

MANILA, Philippines — A motorcycle rider hurled what authorities believe was a pillbox intended for a police outpost in Malate, Manila early Friday morning, damaging parked vehicles and jolting residents awake but causing no casualties.

Among the damaged vehicles was an SUV owned by Chief Inspector Paul Sabulao, commander of the police community precinct on Arellano Avenue, San Andres Bukid.

Closed circuit television footage of Barangay 753 Zone 81 captured the still unidentified suspect as he turned into Arellano Avenue past 3 a.m. and stopped for about 30 seconds in front of a daycare center beside the police outpost.

The CCTV then showed the explosion and people running.

Residents also said the suspect fired shots from a pistol as he fled. Some personnel of the police outpost gave chase on motorcycles but failed to catch up to him.

A car near the scene had a bullet hole in the windshield.

Although the Malate police station declined to officially comment on the incident, some officials told News5, revenge could have been the motive for the attack on the San Andres outpost, which they said has been active in going after drug suspects.

Andy Estrella, an area of the area, said he was worried that the incident may have just been a warning.