Boy dies, 2 others injured as UXO explodes in North Cotabato
KIDAPAWAN CITY – A 10-year-old boy was killed instantly while two others were injured after an unexploded ordnance (UXO) exploded in Barangay Ganatan, Arakan, North Cotabato, at about 10:58 a.m. on Monday, June 22.
Police Col. Ramel Hojilla, North Cotabato police director, identified the fatality as alias "Matt," 10, while the injured were "Jim," 17, and "Jil," 8, all residents of Barangay Ganatan. The wounded are undergoing treatment in a hospital in Arakan town center.
Based on the initial investigation, the three children were wading and bathing in a creek when an explosion occurred.
"Initial investigation indicated that one of the children had found the UXO and reportedly struck it against a rock, triggering the explosion," Hojilla told DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan.
Personnel from the 72nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, who were conducting patrol operations in the area at the time, immediately responded and rushed the victims to the hospital. One of them was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K9 Unit is continuing its post-blast investigation. (PNA)