PNP Region 8 reveals lead in Hilongos, Leyte blast

The Philippine National Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 said they already have a lead as to who is responsible for the Hilongos, Leyte blast on December 28, 2016 which hurt more than 30 persons, GMA News stringer Robert Dejon said in a report.

"We already have a lead towards the solution of the incident but we cannot divulge yet any information as it may compromise the ongoing investigation,” said Sitg Commander Senior Supt. Allan Cuevillas, Deputy Regional Director for Operation on Friday.

In a press briefing, PRO 8 head Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar said initial investigation showed that three unidentified men were seen discreetly leaving the blast site prior to the explosion while the ameteur boxing match was ongoing.

This, he said, was caught in a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage recovered when its hard drive was reviewed for investigation.

With this development, Beltejar said he is optimistic that police would soon identify the suspects and solve the case.

The Scene of the Crime Operatives, during their investigation, has recovered several pieces of evidence from the blast site including components from pieces of 60mm and 81mm mortar projectile placed in two separate locations and detonated by a cellphone. 

This may be similar to the bomb which exploded in Davao City in September last year.  

On December 30, President Rodrigo Duterte flew to Hilongos to visit the victims and gave them cash assistance. — Robert Dejon/Erwin Colcol/VVP, GMA News