4 killed after dynamites stored in house exploded in Masbate

LEGAZPI CITY — At least four people died while several others were wounded when dynamites stored in a house in Balud town in Masbate province exploded on Tuesday afternoon, a police report said.

Police Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said that among the victims was Lina Recto, chief of Barangay (village) Pajo and the owner of the house where the dynamites were reportedly kept.

The other fatalities were a certain Mac-Mac Dela Cruz, Ronelyn Bulala, and Aisa Sese.

Wounded were Junvin, 24, Tessie, 59, and a 12-year-old boy, all surnamed Badahos; Ivan Mahilum, 20; Leonard Amistoso, 42; Ruel Hentical, 26; and a seven-year-old boy all of the same village.

The wounded were taken to the Balud Municipal Hospital for treatment of blast wounds.

Police Lt. Col. Juriz Cantoria, Masbate police chief, in a phone interview said the incident happened at around 12:55 p.m.

Cantoria said police are investigating the cause of the blast. They are also finding out why there were several dynamites stored at the village chief’s house.

Another angle the police probers are looking into was the residence might be used to produce explosives for blast fishing, an illegal fishing practice rampant in the coastal waters of Masbate.