A policeman miraculously escaped death when a grenade planted under his motorcycle exploded, killing a tricycle rider and injuring three others in Mandalyong City Sunday morning.
Colonel Remigio Sedanto, city police chief, identified the fatality as Roger Barcelo, 37, of Barangay Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong City.
The three other victims — Rogelio Tolentino, 32; Merlina Bag-o, 52; and Edwin Rodas, 34 — were rushed to Mandaluyong City Medical Center after sustaining injuries following the explosion.
Initial investigation showed that Police Staff Sergeant Aldin Saligo was travelling along Martinez Street in Barangay Addition Hills when a hand grenade tied under his motorcycle fell and exploded after going over a road hump at around 6:30 a.m.
Saligo was unhurt after quickly moving away from the grenade that exploded moments later.
The grenade fragments, however, hit Barcelo who was on board a tricycle behind the motorcycle of the police officer.
The city police chief said one of the injured victims was on board a motorcycle while the others were walking along the sidewalk.
They were rushed to the nearest hospital, but Barcelo was declared dead on arrival.
Saligo is assigned to the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of Mandaluyong City Police. He was heading towards the city police headquarters when the explosion occurred.
According to Sedanto, the attempt on the life of Saligo may be related to his work in the anti-illegal drug operations of the city police.
“He (Saligo) also received death threats before this incident had happened,” Sedanto added. (Jhon Casinas)
