1 dead, 2 hurt as WWII bomb explodes in Davao

DAVAO CITY—A person was killed while two others were seriously wounded when a 100-pound World War II vintage bomb exploded in the village of Mandug here yesterday.

The victims were tinkering with the bomb when it exploded inside a hut past 10 a.m., according to PO3 Timothy Manlatican, investigator of the Buhangin police precinct.

Manlatican identified the lone fatality as a certain Luding.

Diosdado Maglasang, 49, and Pablito Hermosa, 44, remained in critical condition at the government-run Southern Philippines Medical Center.

Manlatican said no one could say how the victims got hold of the bomb.

“Residents said they (victims) are not from this village,” Manlatican said.

The explosion occurred in a hut filled with newly harvested corn.

Metal tools were seen near the area, prompting authorities to suspect that the victims were trying to open the bomb.

Maj. Johngie Tison, chief of the 7th Explosive Ordinance Detachment of the Philippine Army, said the bomb was “very sensitive and just a small friction could trigger the blast.”

He said it was the same type used during World War II that could remain live for decades.