4 Masbate fishermen dead in dynamite blast

LEGAZPI CITY—At least four people died on Thursday, May 5, when the homemade dynamite for fishing they were making exploded at a residence in a coastal village in Claveria town in Masbate province, police said Friday.

The blast victims were identified as Ryan Manapao, 30; Eddie Maloloy-on Jr., 20; and Jonathan Lape, 41 all fishermen from Barangay Buyo; and Roque Mar Guazon, 19, also a fisherman from Barangay Pasig, all from the same town, according to Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson.

Investigators said the victims were making homemade dynamite explosives at the residence of Maloy-on when it exploded around 2:30 p.m. in Sitio Ipil of Buyo.

Responding authorities said the explosion killed the victims instantly.

The use of homemade dynamite is a widespread illegal fishing practice by fishermen in Masbate, police said.

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