Cebu blast related to war game — VFACom

The Visiting Forces Agreement Commission (VFACom) ruled that an explosion at a firing range in Toledo City, Cebu last Aug. 19 was related to the joint military exercise between Filipino and US troops, and that the two governments should compensate the families of the two boys killed and a third teener seriously injured in the blast.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr., VFACom chairman, said the presidential oversight committee also recommended that Filipino and US naval personnel who took part in the exercise, dubbed "Flash Piston 00-07," be further investigated for the possible filing of criminal, administrative or other legal actions against them.

The VFACom directed the Department of Justice to determine the amount of compensation to be awarded to the families of Rolie Navales, 18, and Arnelo Gaviola, 11, who were both killed; and Jordan Villarmea, 11, who was injured in the blast inside the Atlas firing range in Toledo City.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, on the other hand, will coordinate with the US Embassy.

"Article 6 of the VFA deals precisely with matters like these," Siazon said.

Siazon said the VFACom also suggested the suspension of all live firing activities in areas designated as firing ranges for joint military exercises unless adequate security and safety procedures are in place.

The families of the three victims have filed a homicide case with the Toledo City prosecutor’s office.