Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Explosive thrown inside INC church in Quezon town; fire breaks out

Article (news)

Dennis Datu

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Authorities arrested a 49-year-old construction worker for allegedly throwing an improvised explosive device at an Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) church, which resulted in a small fire in Barangay Soledad, Mauban, Quezon, on Monday morning.Maj. Arjon Oxina, acting chief of police of the Mauban Municipal Police Station, said the suspect stormed the INC church carrying three molotov cocktail bottles, a type of improvised explosive, at around 8 a.m.Church members tried to stop him, but they were unable to overpower the suspect.The suspect reportedly broke the church’s jalousie window and threw the explosive device inside, which started a fire. INC members were quick to extinguish the flames, which caused an estimated P50,000 worth of damage.Before fleeing, the suspect even threatened that he would return and burn down the church again. An hour later, the suspect was arrested by police during a follow-up operation in Barangay Sadsaran.According to Oxina, during their interrogation, the suspect was unable to provide any motive for the attempted arson of the INC church.“Bigla na lang daw niya naisip, hindi naman siya lasing but sa interview namin sa kaniya, gumagamit siya ng illegal drugs,” said Oxina.Police are still conducting a thorough investigation to determine whether the suspect had any other motives. The suspect has already been charged with arson, and authorities are still determining what other charges may be filed against him.

Church members tried to stop him, but they were unable to overpower the suspect.

Church members tried to stop him, but they were unable to overpower the suspect.