ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Nineteen uniformed personnel were injured in an explosion during a fireworks disposal activity here on Monday, July 8.
The Police Regional Office-9 has ordered a thorough investigation of the operation led by a composite team of the Explosives and Canine Unit-9, Philippine Marines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
The PRO-9 said that the injured were six members of the Philippine National Police- Regional Explosives and Canine Unit-9, five from the Bureau of Fire Protection, three from the Philippine Coast Guard, and five from the Philippine Marines. They were taken to the hospital.
The blast damaged vehicles of the PNP and a fire truck of the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The massive explosion, heard and felt several kilometers away, damaged business establishments and residences. The damaged establishments were quickly posted on social media.
Mayor John Dalipe ordered the immediate delivery of assistance and mobilization of resources and asked the Zamboanga City Police Office to conduct an investigation.
It was the fourth and the last disposal activity of fireworks and pyrotechnics recovered from a warehouse that exploded here last June 29.
“The Police Regional Office-9 assures the public that we are taking this matter seriously and will take all necessary actions to address the incident."