2 kids dead, 2 hurt after pipe explosion in Zamboanga del Sur

Two children died, while two others were wounded after an explosion occurred in Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur on Friday afternoon, according to a Super Radyo dzBB report and a statement by the police and military.

Based on the initial investigation of the police, the victims were playing with a rusty pipe which suddenly exploded in Purok Malipayon.

According to the Kumalarang Police Municipal Station, the victims identified as Johnkin Gregorio, 8, and John Leo Soco Miro, 6, died on the spot, Two other children, 13-year-old Rhea Fe Poculan and 7-year-old John Michael Miro, suffered injuries and were immediately brought to the Pagadian City Medical Hospital.

The incident was also confirmed by Fe Calunsag Poculan, grandmother of the victims.

UPDATE: Isang kinakalawang na bakal na napaglaruan ng mga bata, biglang sumabog sa Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur; dalawang bata, patay at dalawa ang sugatan, ayon sa PNP. | via Carlo Mateo pic.twitter.com/yNnYKP0Z8F

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) June 3, 2022

The 102nd Infantry "Igsoon" Brigade of the Philippine Army said the explosion "was neither caused by any terror attacks nor perpetrated by criminal groups or individuals."

"Based on the initial investigation, the explosion was caused by an unknown rusty pipe played by the victims. The origin of the said object is yet to be determined by the authorities," Brigadier General Leonel Nicolas, commander of the brigade, said in a statement.

"We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victims of the accident," Nicolas added.

He also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary fear and panic.

Authorities are still investigating the incident and the type of bomb that caused the explosion.

On May 30, one person was hurt after two explosions rocked Isabela City, Basilan.

The Philippine National Police said it is hunting down the suspects  who left a baggage and a bomb near a fast food chain in the city.—Richa Noriega/Merlyn Manos/LDF, GMA News