Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye branded as agents of fear and terror the perpetrators of the Metro Manila bombings. A group — "Taong Bayan at Kawal" (Tabak) — have claimed responsibility over the bombings.

"We are confident that the Philippine National Police, in due time, will be able to unmask and bring to justice these agents of fear and terror," Bunye said.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the series of bombings were just meant to attract attention and destabilize the government and assured that police are investigating the series of bombings and will arrest whoever may be behind these crimes.

Meanwhile, senior police officers yesterday claimed that they have established the identities of the personalities behind the spate of explosions in Metro Manila, adding that they belong to an "interest group" that seeks to discredit the Arroyo government, including the Philippine National Police (PNP).

However, the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) led by Director Marcelo Ele Jr., tasked to investigate the bombings, refused to release their identities so as not to derail the ongoing investigation.

"It appears that they belong to a small group, an interest group," Ele said, adding that they are focusing their investigation on the Taong Bayan at Kawal that claimed responsibility over the explosions although they have not totally abandoned other angles on the incidents. (David Cagahastian and Aris R. Ilagan)