KIDAPAWAN CITY – A tragic explosion involving an unexploded ordnance (UXO) claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy and injured two other children in Barangay Ganatan, Arakan, North Cotabato on Monday morning, police reported.
Authorities identified the fatality as a minor known as “Matt,” while the wounded victims were identified as “Jim,” 17, and “Jil,” 8, all from the same community. Both injured children remain under medical care at a hospital in Arakan.
Based on initial findings, the children were bathing in a creek when they encountered the explosive device at around 10:58 a.m.
Investigators said the UXO may have been struck against a rock after one of the children picked it up, triggering the blast.
Soldiers from the 72nd Infantry Battalion responded immediately and transported the victims to the hospital, but one child did not survive.
Authorities from the Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K9 Unit are conducting a follow-up investigation to determine the origin of the explosive material.
elamigo/xf
