A Molotov bomb attack damaged photojournalist Michael Varcas’ car in Quezon City early Wednesday morning, with two motorcycle-riding suspects fleeing the scene.
In a 24 Oras Weekend report on Saturday, Varcas recounted that he was at home when he heard a motorcycle pull up near his parked vehicle.
“I woke up just before the explosion because I heard a loud noise from a motorcycle in front of my residence,” he said. “A few seconds after it left, there was a powerful bang. When I stepped outside, I saw my car was on fire.”
Varcas immediately called emergency services, prompting a swift response from the Quezon City Police (QCPD) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit. The area was secured to rule out additional explosives.
Investigators determined that the Molotov cocktail used in the attack was a plastic bottle filled with gasoline.
CCTV footage captured a motorcycle stopping near Varcas’ car, with a suspect igniting the device before speeding away.
The riders remain unidentified as they were wearing helmets.
Police are also trying to determine if Varcas was the intended target, as he reported no recent threats related to his journalism work.
“We are looking into the possibility that this may be connected to his work, and we are taking it seriously,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Leonie Ann Dela Cruz, Station Commander of QCPD Station 10. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
