Police file charges vs 3 Indian nationals over bomb in minivan

MANILA, Philippines – Police filed charges Thursday against three Indian nationals who allegedly took for servicing a minivan in Laguna that was later found to be rigged with a powerful improvised explosive device, police said.

Senior Inspector Walter Ebora, Alaminos Police Chief, said charges of illegal possession of explosives have been filed against Indian nationals identified as Narinder Singh, Rajeth Kumar and Jasbir Singh.

He said the suspects underwent inquest proceedings earlier Thursday.

Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona, Calabarzon police regional director, said the three took the Toyota Avanza for engine oil replacement at a repair shop along Maharlika Highway in Barangay (village) San Benito in Alaminos, Laguna around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, and left a few minutes later.

A mechanic then discovered the explosive device under the engine of the vehicle.

Earlier reports said the bomb was made from military-grade C-4 explosives rigged to a mobile phone as a trigger device.

The mobile phone’s battery ran out that’s why the device didn’t explode, police said.

He said authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the incident.