Masbate barangay chairman, 4 others killed in dynamite explosion

The chairman of Barangay Pajo in Balud, Masbate, along with three others were killed, while seven persons were injured after a dynamite exploded in his home.

FLASH REPORT: 4 ang patay habang 7 ang sugatan sa pagsabog ng dinamita sa isang bahay sa Brgy. Pajo, Balud, Masbate. | via @glenjuego pic.twitter.com/GSB3CRHxS6

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) June 15, 2021

According to Glen Juego’s report on Super Radyo dzBB, information from the Masbate Provincial Police revealed that the explosion occurred at barangay chairman Lina Recto’s home at around 1 p.m.

Recto’s home also served as a factory for illegal dynamites, according to a separate report on GTV's Balitanghali on Wednesday.

“Based po doon sa collected evidence natin, confirmed po natin na involved po ‘yung kapitan,” Balud Police chief Police Major Aris Castillo said in an interview.

(Based on our collected evidence it is confirmed that the barangay captain is involved in the making of the illegal dynamite.)

Castillo said they will also file a complaint against Recto’s live-in partner.

Three fatalities were initially identified as Mac-Mac Dela Cruz, Ronelyn Bulala, and Aisa Sese.

However, according to Mark Salazar’s report on “24 Oras,” one more fatality, Vladimir Chavez, was identified on Wednesday.

Philippine National Police Region 5 director Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo said the victims could barely be identified after the explosion.

The dynamite that caused the explosion is usually used for illegal fishing.

“Wag ninyong ipilit ang bawal, kung mahal ninyo ang inyong mga buhay at kapamilya mas piliin sana ninyong gumawa ng tama at naayon sa ating batas,” Estomo said in a statement.

(Don’t use what’s prohibited. If you love yourself and your family, do the right thing in accordance with the law.) 

Authorities are investigating the incident.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF/RSJ, GMA News