3 hurt in Agusan Norte explosion

Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Butuan City , Philippines – Three persons who were playing with a 40mm projectile also known as M-203 grenade launcher are now hospitalized after the projectile they were toying accidentally exploded after one of them threw it on the ground.

Caraga Police Regional Information Office report identified the three victims as Jefrel Tupos Mangubat, Erwin Tupos Larong, and Jomar Bahan Petalino, all of legal age and residents of Purok 1, Barangay Jagupit, Santiago, Agusan del Norte.

They are now confined at the Cabadbaran District Hospital in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte for treatment after they were seriously injured caused by the explosion.

Police initial investigation showed that the three victims were drinking liquor at the said store. Mangubat went home and returned to the group carrying a 40mm projectile and showed it to his companions.

After a few minutes, he threw the said projectile on the ground, which resulted to the sudden explosion that fell them down.

Santiago police said the incident happened at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

They are now conducting investigation why an extremely dangerous firearm like an M-203 was in the possession of a civilian. – Ben Serrano