2 dead in Batangas blast

Courtesy of Batangas PNP

SAN PEDRO CITY, Philippines — Two persons were killed in an explosion in Sto. Tomas town in Batangas province on Monday.

Initial police report said the incident occurred around 11 a.m. in Barangay (village) San Roque.

Batangas police director Sr. Supt. Edwin Quilates, in a phone interview, said the explosion happened in a house that was being used in manufacturing “blasting caps” or detonators.

It was not immediately clear what the explosives were being used for.

Several houses near the blast site were damaged.

Nearby Mo. Barbara Micarelli School sent its students home after the blast.

Police investigation is ongoing as of Monday noon.