Aquino orders thorough probe on Serendra

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III wants a thorough probe on the Serendra explosion that can “stand the scrutiny of anybody,” his spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Saturday, June 1.

“Ang mahigpit na bilin ng Pangulo sa mga concerned government agencies ay kailangan nating malaman kung ano ang nangyari, ano ang source ng explosion, at kailangan ‘yung mga findings nila, it must stand the scrutiny of anybody,” Valte said on dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Valte said that among those who rushed to Taguig Friday night, May 31, when the explosion occurred, were members of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police’s crime investigators, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Bureau of Fire Protection, as well as military officers.

The President stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation and evidence-based findings, Valte added.

The Palace official said President Aquino is also asking the public to stop speculatiing on what caused the blast.

“So it is good for everybody at this point to allow the investigators to do their work, at hintayin natin. Kasi mahigpit talaga ang bilin ng Pangulo sa kanila na kung ano man ang mahanap nila ay siguraduhin na ang konklusyon ay magiging base doon sa mga makakalap na ebidensya,” she said. (The President has very strict instructions to the investigators, for them to base their conclusions on evidence.)

Valte gave assurances there will be no cover-up in the investigation.

A powerful explosion hit a unit in Building 2 of Two Serendra, a posh residential place owned by the Ayalas, Friday evening, May 1. The President himself went to the area past 10 pm to meet with the investigators and Taguig officials. – Rappler.com