31 hurt in IED explosion in Hilongos, Leyte

At least 31 people were hurt in an explosion caused by a pair of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a boxing match near the Hilongos Municipal Plaza in Leyte on Wednesday during the town's fiesta.

A report from the Philippine National Police Regional Office 8 said the victims sustained injuries in their lower extremities and were rushed to the Hilongos District Hospital.

The victims of the blast, which was reported at 9:20 p.m, include seven minors and two senior citizens.

They are:

1. John Reynal Lamo, 15 years old
2. Vicente Nunez, 24 years old
3. Jessica Geli, 19 years old
4. Mary Aves, 31 years old
5. Ricardo Regaton, 53 years old
6. Jun Rey Lumbre, 20 years old
7. Aldrin Goltiano, 19 years old
8. Joseph Ryan Bohol, 24 years old
9. Domingo Oliva, 60 years old
10. Kevin Manicar, 13 years old
11. Cristita Ano-Os, 47 years old
12. Jay Miguel Liba, 15 years old
13. Christian Lelis, 14 years old
14. Letecia Liba, 55 years old
15. Erwin Liba, 33 years old
16. Rudy Bulfa, 33 years old
17. Giselle Managbanag, 25 years old
18. Edgar Acsol, 56 years old
19. Elmer Rebullos, 27 years old
20. King Michael Melgazo, 15 years old
21. Leonilo Villaro, 28 years old
22. Doroteo Libres, 50 years old
23. Roselyn Lasmarias, 42 years old
24. Wilbert Fornis Alingasa, 14 years old
25. Guillermo Solera 
26. Rogelio Managbanag, 26 years old
27. Banoy Abes, 31 years old
28. Marnilo Macarat Lusuegro
29. Chris Angel Abina, 7 years old
30. Jessie Abina, 32 years old
31. Marcelina Abina, 67 years old

Hilongos Police Chief Insp. Alberto Renomeron said they found a third IED that did not explode.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters at 1 a.m. Thursday via a text message that: "As of the moment, initial but unofficial news feed state that there were no intel reports of bomb threats, nor has anybody claimed responsibility for the bombing. While 27 have been reported injured, no deaths have been reported. An IED has been reportedly discovered and attempts are under way to diffuse it."

However, Abella added an erratum, saying that 10 people were killed and 20 others were injured, based on information from Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.

Taguiwalo later clarified to reporters Thursday morning that the report about the 10 people killed was a "false alarm." 

Quoting RD of Region 8, Taguiwalo said that as of 5 a.m., 33 were injured. Twenty-three of them were brought to the Hilongos Hospital, while 10 were brought to the Baptist Hospital.

An investigation into the bombing incident is being conducted by the Hilongos Police Office, scene of the crime operatives (SOCO) from the Ormoc City Police Office, and the Philippine National Police Explosive and Ordnance Division. 

According to Army Spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao, scene investigation of the EOD show that a cartridge of an 81-mm mortar was used in the bombing and was detonated through a cellphone.

The suspect, meanwhile, remains unidentified. —Erwin Colcol/KG, GMA News