Munitions in fire-hit armory used for teaching, no danger to public, says Army official

Lieutenant Colonel Noel Detoyato. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The ammunition housed in a storage facility of the Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City razed by fire Wednesday were “instructional materials” only and did not endanger the public, a spokesman said Thursday.

In a television interview, Lieutenant Colonel Noel Detoyato said the bulk of the munitions were stored in a facility outside of the city. Those that were inside the fire-hit building were used for teaching.

Detoyato’s assurance came less than 24 hours after the Army spokesman himself and fire officials said that the armory that burned down earlier on Wednesday wasn’t built adequately to hold ammunition.

The fire caused a series of explosions that injured 25 people. As of Wednesday night, members of the Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) were clearing the scene of the fire of undetonated explosive devices.

Tejada said, however, that most of these were “live bullets” that may have scattered around the area following the blasts from munitions hit by fire as it spread through the armory.

Tejada said the road leading to the facility would remain closed and a certain distance would be observed until the area is declared safe.

As of posting time, investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

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