By Bonita Ermac and Liza Abubakar-Jocson
ILIGAN CITY – Brigadier General Leonel M. Nicolas, commander of the Philippine Army’s 102nd Brigade, confirmed that an explosion had transpired in a house at Purok Malipayon in Barangay Diplo, Kumalarang, Zamboanga Del Sur at around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 3.
Zamboanga del Sur Police Director Colonel Jomarie Albarico identified the two fatalities as John Kin Gregorio, 8, and John Leo Soco Miro, 6. The two wounded are Rhea Fe Pucolan, 13, and John Michael Miro, 8. Both were rushed to the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in this city.
In his statement, Nicolas said the explosion was neither caused by any terror attacks nor perpetrated by criminal groups or individuals.
Based on the initial investigation, the explosion was caused by an unknown rusty pipe which the victims had found and played with.
According to reports, the father of the Miro kids had found an unexploded ordnance, a tube for the rifle grenade in Diplo River.
The father had reportedly brought it home and even cut it, then he disposed of the other half which, unfortunately, the children had found and played with.
Nicolas extended his deepest condolences to the family of the victims of the accident.
Nicolas took the opportunity to remind all parents to watch their children and teach them to refrain from playing with objects they are unfamiliar with or unaware of their origin.
Nicolas also said they would like to request the public to refrain from speculating and spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary fear and panic.
The army will support the police in any further investigation that they will conduct to shed light on this unfortunate incident, Nicolas added.