Witnesses point to Lazaga
The MPD said two more witnesses have identified Lazaga as the alleged grenade thrower, corroborating the testimony of the first witness, who said Lazaga was wearing an Akrho shirt when he allegedly drew a grenade from a paper bag and rolled it on the ground toward APB and TGP members.
The first witness said he and other fraternity members ganged up on the suspect and removed his shades and a handkerchief covering his face.
He said another man, also wearing an Akrho shirt and holding a gun, threatened to shoot them if they would not let him go.
The witness said Lazaga’s wallet fell from his pants pocket during the commotion, and they found his voter’s identification card and class schedule.
But instead of leaving, Lazaga reportedly passed by the TGP group and was heard saying he knew who the grenade thrower was. Frat members accosted him and brought him first to the P. Ocampo community precinct then to the Malate police station.
The witness said Lazaga allegedly admitted throwing the grenade.
Police station chief Superintendent Francisco Gabriel said he was not aware that Lazaga was brought to the police station for custody and let him go after he reported the beating and the loss of his wallet.
However, relatives and friends of some of the victims said Gabriel committed a serious blunder when he released Lazaga. They claimed a certain “Major Andrada” interceded and asked for his release.
MPD officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla said they are evaluating the statements of the two other witnesses.