32 people injured as two IEDs explode in Leyte plaza

December 29, 2016

Thirty-two people watching a boxing match were injured as two improvised explosive devices exploded at a plaza in Leyte province Wednesday night.

Col. Benjamin Hao,  Army spokesman, said based on initial report the explosion happened around 9:01 pm at Plaza Rrizal  in Barangay Central Poblacion, Hilongos.

“An amateur boxing (match) was held in the place in consonance with the Hilongos municipal annual fiesta where many people were watching in different directions around the boxing ring,” Hao said.

Hao could not say how far the explosion was from the boxing ring.

“All were immediately brought to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention, out of the 32 injured persons 16 were admitted in hospital while other 16 persons were treated at outpatient department (OPD),” he said.

Senior Superintent Dionardo Carlos, national police spokesperson,  identified  31 of the victims brought to Hilongos District Hospital.They were John Reynal Lamo, 15, Vicente Nunez, 24, Jessica Geli, 19, Mary Aves, 31, Ricardo Regaton, 53, Jun Rey Lumbre, 20, Aldrin Goltiano, 19, Joseph Ryan Bohol, 24, Domingo Oliva, 60, Kevin Manicar, 13, Cristita Ano-Os, 47, Jay Miguel Liba, 15, Christian Lelis, 14, Letecia Liba, 55, Erwin Liba,  33, Rudy Bulfa, 33, Giselle Managbanag, 25, Edgar Ascol, 56, Elmer Rebullos, 27, King Michael Melgazo, 15, Leonilo Villaro, 28, Doroteo Libres, 50, Roselyn Lasmarias, 42, Wilbert Fornis Alingasa, 14, Guillermo Solera, Rogelio Managbanag, 26, Banoy Abes, 31, Marnilo Macarat Lusuegro, Chris Angel Abina, 7, Jessie Abina, 32, and Marcelina Abina, 67.

Carlos said they sustained injuries, especially on their lower extremities because of the explosion.

Hao said based on fragments recovered on the crime scene the explosive ordnance disposal unit established the perpetrators used an 81 mm mortar cartridge and cellular phone as detonating device for the IED.

“At present Scene of the Crime Operatives Police Region 8 is still processing the crime scene to collect evidentiary items,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS