MPD releases sketch of Quiapo bomb thrower

MANILA, Philippines - Police released yesterday an artist’s sketch of the man seen throwing an explosive device that killed a student and wounded two others in Quiapo, Manila Thursday night.

The suspect was described by a witness as around 19 years old, at least 5’5” tall, slim and with fair skin. He was seen running away after the blast together with another man whose face was not recognized, according to Manila Police District’s homicide section chief Inspector Armando Macaraeg.

“The witness recognized the polo shirt worn by the suspect as the school uniform of the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP),” Macaraeg said.

The bomb, apparently a pillbox, landed on the head of 20-year-old TIP marine engineering student Goldwin Magnaye and exploded. He died while undergoing treatment at the Mary Chiles Hospital.

Two others, Karlo Lloren, 22, criminology student of Manuel L. Quezon University; and Jeric Carpio, 22, a marine engineering graduate, were hurt in the explosion.

Macaraeg said the three victims, together with six others, were having a drinking spree along Cruzada near Legarda streets in Quiapo when the suspect threw a homemade bomb at the group.

Macaraeg said that except for Magnaye, the group belonged to the Samahang Ilocano (SI) fraternity which is reportedly at odds with the Tau Gamma Phi (TGP). However, police do not consider yet the rivalry of the two fraternities as the motive behind the pillbox throwing.

“No one among the SI members is pointing to the TGP as the culprit. No one wants to talk about the frat war, if ever,” Macaraeg said.

Police will coordinate with TIP officials tomorrow for the possible identification of the suspect.

“We will also find out on records if a clash has ever occurred between the SI and the TGP or any other fraternities recently. From there our investigation will move on,” Macaraeg said.

The incident followed a grenade explosion – allegedly triggered by a fraternity war – on the last day of the Bar exams last Sept. 26, in which 47 persons were wounded.