Second victim in Army armory fire dies

Smoke rises from the remains of a Philippine army munitions depot in Taguig City on May 7, after twenty-three people were injured when fire and a series of explosions struck the depot near the country’s financial district. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—After fire and a series of explosions hit an armory at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio a week ago, another victim passed away, Major General Hernando Iriberri confirmed on Thursday.

Iriberri, the Philippine Army Chief, said that Master Sergeant Ferdinand Rafal died Tuesday at East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City.

“It is very sad news indeed,” Iriberri said.

Seventy percent of Rafal’s body was burnt in the fire, the cause of which has yet to be determined.

Iriberri added that the investigation was still ongoing.
“We should improve the systems on how to avoid any such incidents,” Iriberri said.

Army Corporal Bernabe Mota, 30, died last week at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center (AFPMC), Mota sustained burns in 80 percent of his body. He was a native of Pili, Camarines Sur, and was assigned at the Explosive Ordnance Division Battalion of the Army Support Command (ASCOM).

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