Four people, including three boys and an 85-year-old woman, were killed while four other children were injured after a suspected rifle grenade exploded in Sitio Raniag, Barangay Sinamar, Roxas, Isabela, on Oct. 4.
Police said the victims were found after residents heard a loud explosion in the area. Among those killed was an 8-year-old Grade 3 pupil.
The boys were reportedly playing with a metallic object believed to be a rifle grenade before it exploded. Police authorities have yet to determine the exact type of explosive involved.
Information gathered by Brigada News FM Cauayan City said the children allegedly found the unidentified object in a canal and struck it against a rock, causing the explosion.
One child died at the scene, while two other victims and a female senior citizen were declared dead on arrival. Four other children were injured and remained under medical care.
The blast was strong enough to leave shrapnel marks on nearby walls and pieces of wood at the scene.
Among those killed was 8-year-old Jhone Yohan Javier. His mother, Jonabelle Binuyat, remembered him as a kind and hardworking child who always made her feel loved.
“Mabait na bata. Palagi niyang ipinaparamdam sa akin na mahal na mahal niya ako,” Jonabelle said.
She said she was cleaning inside their home when she heard the explosion. She initially thought her son was safe until she heard that something had happened. She rushed to the area and found Jhone Yohan lying on the ground.
Before the incident, Jhone Yohan had spent time with his father, Heraldon, planting bananas.
Jonabelle also described her son as hardworking, helpful and kind.
As the investigation continues, the families of Jhone Yohan and the other victims are seeking justice and answers about the origin of the suspected explosive. VIA 92.9 Brigada News Cauayan City
