41 hurt in Davao carnival explosion

DAVAO CITY (Updated) –- A hinterland fiesta activity turned bloody when an unidentified man lobbed a grenade, wounding 41 spectators of a carnival in Paquibato District in Davao City on Saturday.

Most of the residents in Sitio Binuwang in Barangay Fatima were at the carnival, which was set up for their fiesta celebration on September 13, when the incident happened around 9:25 p.m., said Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, chief of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

Dela Rosa said based on the initial investigation of the Paquibato Police Station, the grenade was apparently tossed towards an army detachment but it hit a protective net and bounced back and exploded in the midst of a crowd.

DAVAO. Three-year-old Michael is comforted by his father who was among who were rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center for treatment after the grenade explosion in a carnival in Paquibato. (Alger Dura)

Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division's Civil Military Operation Battalion, said the residents were occupied with the revelry when the man tossed the grenade.

"Paglabay, na igo ang granada sa net barrier sa detachment unya nalabay didto sa daghang tao nga nagtanaw ug circus (The grenade hit the net barrier at the detachment and bounced toward where the people were)," Dela Rosa said, adding that the detachment is just 1.5 meters from the covered court.

The authorities identified the victims as Necio Cerundo, 21; Amalou Cabania, 13; Marcelo Babor, 52; Nelojean Roxas, 11; Jelson Bacordo, 22; Lemeul Uzon, 15; Elizer Sumodong, 29, Jessie Solla, 48; Candida Sambalod, 53; Jayson Amaralinto, 15; Rubilyn Abayto, 34; Michael Tinaja, 15; John Mark Moquinto, 15; Rolando Abatayo, 32; Ranay Loyola, 35; Rio Brigole, 24; Marvin Polinar, 20; Jeresa Malinao, 19; Primitiva Dadula, 56; Lindo Lina, 18; Louie John Ballena, 14; Noel Pulbera, 52; Dario Segundo, 33; Rolando Roperos, Gerald Zamora, 18; Juris Bontoyan, 2; Devine Grace Valejo, 16; John Miguel Lician, 23; Genelyn Cambirahan, 31; Charmaine Lansang, 13; Marjone Escultor, 34; Ruthchelle Bontoyan, 39; Rudith Montajes, 20; Gemar Bacordo, 24; Regine Lansang, 17; Rolando Palba, 18; Marion Sumod-ong, 53; Samson Dandoy, 19; Gerald Lariosa, 16; Helena Turado, 54; and Michael Cambarihan, 3, residents of the same area.

The victims were brought to Rivera Hospital in Panabo City and Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City for medical attention.

Superintendent Marcial Magistrado, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office Davao Region, said Director Chief Superintendent Jaime H. Morente ordered his personnel to intensify their operation in the area to prevent a repeat of the incident.

Dela Rosa added that they are conducting investigation to identify the perpetrators although he is convinced they were members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Paquibato remains to be an area frequented by the NPA as it is in the hinterland boundary of Davao City.

Obligado said their peace and development teams were directed to conduct random checkpoints with the DCPO personnel, and pursuit operation against the suspects.

Meanwhile, Lawyer Alberto Sipaco, director of the Commission on Human Rights Davao Region, condemned the act.

"It is a very disturbing incident…and gravely violated human rights," Sipaco said.

Sipaco said they will also conduct investigation on the incident, as he appealed to the public to give and report any information to the authorities as to the identity of the suspect or group responsible in the explosion. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)