Blast victims who sustained shrapnel injuries are taken to hospital following a suspected grenade blast the killed one and injured several others in a roadside carnival in Barangay Marbel, Matalam, Cotabato on New Year’s Eve. (Photo courtesy of Matalam Vice Mayor Ralph Ryan Rafael)
MATALAM, Cotabato – One person died while at least five others were wounded in a grenade explosion in a carnival here, minutes before the New Year.
Vice Mayor Ralph Ryan Rafael said the blast occurred at about 11:50 p.m. in a crowded carnival area in Sitio Condring, Barangay Marbel.
Police identified the blast fatality as Romel Presto Cabiso, a resident of Barangay Marbel.
The blast happened while revelers were preparing to welcome 2025.
Police personnel who immediately responded to the scene helped bring the injured victims to hospital.
“Sad to say, this heartbreaking incident happened just before the New Year – a time that should be filled with hope, joy, and togetherness,” Rafael said in a statement.
Further investigation is ongoing.
Two bomb experts examine grenade components recovered at the blast site in Matalam, Cotabato while Vice Mayor Ralph Ryan Rafael (standing) looks on minutes after the 11:50 p.m. explosion in a carnival. (Photo courtesy of Matalam Vice Mayor Ralph Ryan Rafael)
“The family of the victim deserves answers, and our community deserves to feel safe,” Rafael said.
“Let this be a reminder that peace is not the responsibility of one, but the duty of all. We must stand together, united by the desire for a safe and harmonious community,” Rafael added.
“I call on everyone to remain vigilant and supportive of efforts to strengthen security in our area,” Rafael further said.