Man arrested for throwing explosive at INC church in Quezon

A 49-year-old construction worker was arrested for allegedly throwing an improvised explosive device at an Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) church in Barangay Soledad, Mauban, Quezon on Monday morning.

The suspect entered the church around 8 a.m. with three Molotov cocktail bottles and broke the jalousie window before setting off the explosive, causing a small fire inside and outside the building.

Church members attempted to stop the suspect but were unsuccessful; however, they managed to extinguish the flames after an estimated P50,000 worth of damage.

Before fleeing the scene, the suspect threatened to return and burn down the church again.

An hour later, police arrested the suspect during a follow-up operation in Barangay Sadsaran.

During interrogation, the suspect claimed he had no specific motive but admitted to using illegal drugs recently.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine if there were any other motives or charges applicable for the arson attempt.