Police eye insurance scam behind bus-burning - report

MANILA, Philippines - Police are focusing on insurance and labor as the "leading" motives behind the burning of five buses by five men at the Victory Liner compound in Quezon City before dawn Thursday. Radio dzBB's Tuesday Niu reported Thursday evening that Quezon City police chief Sr. Supt. Magtanggol Gatdula also released a sketch of one of the 10 suspects in the incident. Gatdula said investigators have relegated to the backburner for now the possibility that the communist New People's Army (NPA) was behind the incident, citing indications of an "inside job." He also cited initial reports reaching him indicating that there had been past incidents involving the torching of "older buses" that may indicate a "insurance claim-related" motive. A second likely angle is that of a labor dispute. Earlier, he cited information indicating some drivers were disgruntled with Victory Liner because they were terminated quickly after figuring in an accident. Gatdula said they are now verifying the "history" of bus-burning incidents in the past, as well as cases now pending with the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). Meanwhile, the QCPD released the artist's sketch of one of 10 suspects in the incident, based on the descriptions given by the bus firm's security personnel. The man was described as 35 to 40 years old, 5'6" to 5'7" tall, medium-built, dark-complexioned, and wearing a denim jacket and pants, and a cap. He was described as round-faced. - GMANews.TV