Yt Framework

A loud explosion killed a butcher and wounded four other persons at a peryahan in Purok Rizal, Poblacion, Imelda Municipality, Zamboanga Sibugay Province (ZSP), at dawn yesterday.

Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial director Sr. Supt. Ruben Cariaga clarified that the incident was a grenade hurling and “not a harassment or attack from rebels . . . . as what is being circulated.      

“It was positively identified by the police explosive experts that a fragmentation hand grenade that was thrown and exploded at the peryahan and not a bomb,” Cariaga disclosed.  

Cariaga identified the fatality as Leo Lyndon Maghuyop y Batano, 31, single, and a resident of Purok Aguinaldo, Poblacion, Imelda, ZSP.  
He said the victim suffered multiple shrapnel wounds on the different parts of his body resulting to his instantaneous death.

Police identified the victims as Baltazar Helario y Makinol, 35, married, jobless, of Purok Aguinaldo, Poblacion, Imedlda; Apple Quintilla y Villa, 18, married, of Purok Mabini, Imelda; Jonamae Atin y Operario, 16, single; Jomarie Atin y Operario, 17, single; and Novelyn Angcon y Antin, 24, married, all residents of Poblacion, Buug Municipality, ZSP.

All victims were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. 
Cariaga told Zamboanga today that they are looking into personal grudge as the possible motive of the incident.

A follow-up investigation is being conducted to establish the identity of the suspect.

By Eugene A. Lasprilla