Special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday visited the Southern Police District (SPD) headquarters and offered to help in solving the deadly Makati bus blast.
Chief Superintendent Jose Arne delos Santos, Southern Police District (SPD) director,said 3 FBI special agents went to his office and offered assistance in the bus blast probe.
Delos Santos said the offer was more of technical in nature such as the use of sophisticated crime laboratory machines and gadgets and other equipment that may be helpful in the forensic examinations on victims and evidences.
"They offered their help, technical assistance. We know for sure they have a lot of gadgets, but the PNP (Philippine National Police) also have similar equipment. Some of them were even donated by the US," he said.
The 3 FBI special agents were first spotted by reporters inspecting the bus that exploded in Makati last Tuesday, which is now at the headquarters of the SPD in Taguig City.
The SPD initially declined to disclose the identities of the 3 agents, but later confirmed that they were sent by the US government.
Senior Supt. Federico Castro, SPD operations chief, said the US is interested in investigating the case because a Filipino-American is among the victims.
The Department of National Defense (DND) said that the NBI can help the government's probe into the bombing, where terrorism is being considered as a possible motive.
Five people were killed while 13 others were injured in the explosion that ripped through a Newman Goldline bus along EDSA in Makati City last Tuesday.
The Makati City police identified the 5 fatalities as FX taxi driver Salustiano Marino, 57; culinary arts student Johansson Reyes, 24; Shirly Kristel Ausena, Jhonlie Daquiaog and Irish Teniola, call center agents.
Two injured victims were confined at the Makati Medical Center while another injured victim was treated at the Ospital ng Makati.
The 9 victims brought to the St. Luke's Medical Center in Global City underwent stress debriefing.
Michael Jaralve, the injured conductor of the Newman Goldline bus that was hit by the explosion has been discharged from the hospital. He sustained wounds on both of his legs. -- Reports from Ron Gagalac, Ryan Chua, and Francis Faulve
