CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- One of the buildings inside the Ammunition Complex of 10th Forward Service Support Unit, Army Support Command of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) headquarters at Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Barangay Patag was hit by fire past 12 midnight on Tuesday, July 12.
In a statement, the 4ID said that the building that was hit by fire housed the 155mm Howitzer rounds and various small arms ammunition.
The loud explosions awakened the residents here, especially in the nearby areas.
There was no casualty from the military personnel, the 4ID confirmed. However, three civilians incurred minor injuries after they were hit by shrapnel and are being treated at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH).
A total of 11 fire trucks from this city had responded to the fire incident but couldn’t penetrate the burning structure due to dangerous explosions.
All personnel near the area evacuated for safety. The 4ID assisted the civilians nearby and advised them to evacuate to the 4ID Gymnasium, the designated evacuation center within the camp.
The fire was declared out at 3:10 a.m. However, the authorities needed to cool down the place first before the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel would start to penetrate the area.
The Army investigating team, including the City fire authorities will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
Meanwhile, the 4ID has administered psycho-social support and stress debriefing to affected individuals in coordination with the officials of Barangay Patag and City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) at the Evacuation Center.
On the other hand, city mayor Rolando Uy, in a statement, has assured the support of the city government to the 4ID, especially to the residents inside and within the vicinity of Camp Evangelista in Barangay Patag.
The local government of Cagayan de Oro affirmed its trust in the command at the 4ID to manage this emergency and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
“I would enjoin all residents to stay calm and refrain from making any speculations on the incident,” Uy said.