IMO Release 006
2007 10 23RD NSC PNP REPORT
LATEST PNP FINDINGS ON GLORIETTA
MALL BLAST POINT TO GAS EXPLOSION
The Philippine National Police (PNP) told the full National Security Council (NSC)-Cabinet Group
meeting in Malacanang this morning that based on its latest findings, the Oct. 19 Glorietta
blast was a "gas explosion" and not a terrorist bombing as earlier feared.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo convened the high-level meeting among Congress leaders,
members of the Cabinet and top military, police and security officials for wide-ranging
discussions on the Glorietta incident.
Southern Police District (SPD) Chief Supt. Luizo Ticman, who conducted the power point
presentation on the Glorietta blast, told the NSC-Cabinet Group that bomb experts from the
United States and Australia have been helping the PNP in the investigation of the explosion.
Ticman heads the multi-agency team investigating the Glorietta explosion in Makati City.
He said the investigators' theory of a gas explosion was based on their findings that the blast
left no crater, there were no signs of tearing effect from bomb explosion, there was no soot or
blackening on the concave ceiling, no IED compound (bomb ingredient) was found, and
laboratory test results were negative for explosive ingredients.
Ticman explained that PNP investigators were pursuing the gas-explosion theory because of
the upward ruptures and damage on the diesel tank, concave concrete slab directly above the
diesel tank, presence of septic tanks and waste-water treatment facilities that produce
methane.
He added that there was also no functioning ventilation, and no exhaust system, giving rise to
increase in temperature, and accumulation of diesel vapor/fumes, the presence of open
switches, motor pumps, batteries and other possible igniters, and the vent of explosion
clearly showed strong upward push which characterize gas explosion.
But the President pointed out that "even if it was an accident, the event made us more
conscious to act on terrorism… and strengthen our counter-terrorism (measures)."
She also asked Ticman to clarify whether "RDX," a bomb ingredient, is "found in nature" and if
it has "non-lethal uses." The initial report on the cause of the blast said RDX traces were
found at the site of the blast.
The RDX finding was attributed to a chemist of the PNP crime laboratory.
But the PNP explained that as an active ingredient in aerosols, RDX can be found even in
aerosol deodorants.
The Anti-Terrorism Task Force also reported to the NSC-Cabinet Group that it has drafted a
legislative proposal that would make possession of explosives non-bailable, and that the
President advised was to "submit it to our legislators. "
Razon said elements of the NCRPO and Special Action Force (SAF) were "still on the ground"
intensifying police visibility, strengthening choke points, conducting checkpoints, and
intensifying intelligence gathering as part of the security measures in Metro Manila.
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