Another soldier in Fort Bonifacio blast dies

MANILA, Philippines - Another soldier who suffered severe burns in a blast that rocked Fort Bonifacio last week has died.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato identified the second fatality of the incident as M/Sgt. Ferdinand Rafal, 51, who passed away Tuesday night at the East Ave. Medical Center.

He said about 80 percent of Rafal’s body sustained burns.

Another soldier, Cpl. Bernabe Mota, died May 9 at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center (AFPMC) along V. Luna in Quezon City.

An Army officer identified as 1Lt. Dinar Alosada is still in critical condition and is being treated at the East Ave. Medical Center Burn Unit.

A total of 32 persons, including Rafal and Mota, were hurt due to blasts caused by a fire that hit the Explosive and Ordnance Disposal Battalion headquarters of the Army Support Command last Wednesday.

Three of the victims suffered from second degree burns, two had lacerated wounds on their faces and arms while the rest sustained minor wounds. 

Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri said they have formed a board of inquiry to determine the cause of the incident.

“The investigation is ongoing. Let’s just wait for the results of the investigation. Whatever the result will be, it will the basis of our action,” Iriberri said

“The board has interviewed those who were inside the building when the incident happened,” he added. –  with a report from Ronald Mendoza