1 killed, 21 injured in Sultan Kudarat grenade blast

LAMBAYONG, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines  — A 15-year old boy was killed while 21  others were wounded when a hand grenade exploded near a birthday party   in Purok Liwa-Liwa, Barangay Palumbe  at around 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 21.  2018.

Senior Inspector Samuel Domingo, Chief of the Lambayong  police ,  identified the lone fatality as  Jumar Ubaldo, 15, resident of Barangay Palumbe.

Those injured victims were identified as:

• Jerome Balaba, 51;

• Jezher Jay Sapad, 3;

• Michale Adorable, 28;

• Vince Andrei Tumbaga, 9;

• Rey Ramos, 47;

• Danica Andres, 18;

• Dino Dupitas, 24;

• Joie Joy Benito, 25;

• Naristelle Manzano, 22;

• Princess Ann Natividad, 24;

• Erick John Lucero Patricio, 28;

• Pedro Dupitas Jr., 50;

• Lolita Adoag, 61;

• Gina Demalanta, 42;

• Arnold Enrico, 17;

• Jerwin Asuncion, 23;

• Daryl Enrico, 23;

• Michael Jay Angelo, 21;

• Oscar Patricio, 51;

• Jemson Uson, 33;

• Romeo Lorenzo Jr.

Most of the victims sustained minor injuries, they were brought to Lambayong district hospital but were released after treatment, while five are confined due to severe bruises  in the different parts of their bodies.

Residents revealed they heard two gun shots  near the  house celebrating a birthday party and minutes  later heard the explosion .

Angelie Hidalgo told  Newsline.ph that prior to the grenade explosion, “Narinig ko may dalawang putok,  mga few meters away mula sa birthday celebration, at later bigla na lang may sumabog. Nakita ko na lang na marami ang duguan.”

She added: “Patay na ang bata sumabog ang tyan. Malapit sya sa sumabog na granda.”

Police recovered from the crime scene  empty shells of Caliber .45 pistol, safety lever, pin and metal fragments.

Domingo said they  are still conducting investigation to the identity of the suspects and determine the motive.

Lambayong Mayor Benjamin Abalos  who just  arrived from Manila  said  “Nakatanggap ako ng text na may nangyaring ganon sa isa kong barangay. Nakakalungkot ang nangyari. Palabas na ako sa General Santos City airport ng ma-inform ako about sa nangyari. Kararating ko lang mula Manila nag-attend meeting ng League of Mayors in the Phlippines with the President,” Abalos.

The Municipal government of Lambayong,  according to Abalos said will provide financial assistance to all the injured victims and will shoulder the burial expenses of the young boy.-Ramil H. Bajo/Newsline.ph