Cotabato City (CNN Philippines) — A six-year-old boy died and 34 others were wounded in a grenade explosion on Sunday (February 21) in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.
Authorities identified the lone casualty as Althon John Antonio, a resident of Brgy. Pamantingan. He suffered multiple shrapnel wounds in his body following the explosion in the public market area of the municipality at around 8:15 p.m.
While people were celebrating a festival, two still unidentified suspects threw two hand grenades near the town carnival that led to Antonio’s death and the injuries to 34 individuals.
Meanwhile, below are the names of the wounded:
1. Melvin Garcesa, 55
2. Marcelo Iyata, 28
3. Juanito Jugar, 34
4. Jayson Honorio, 23
5. Sharon Funchita, 20
6. Sonny Ibanes, 41
7. Ely Carnate, 47
8. Raquel Aceres, 37
9. John rell Kanakan, 19
10.Louie Balak, 19
11. Norodin Ali, 19
12. Edwin Villaruel, 48 (serious condition)
13. Zaldy Eurofan, 43
14. Lenia Penaflor, 44
15. Edgel Raganas, 34
16. Frederick Dasal, 36
17. Nahanie Claveria, 12
18. Virdelyn Anilao, 23
19. Vicente Barido, 33
20. Mary Glyn David, 53
21. Roselyn Delicano, 34
22. Joemar Denamarka, 34
23. Henry Lino
24. Ronnie Ponce, 38
25. Gilbert Hagisan, 44
26. Onyok Moron, 31
27. Jennifer Ellarina Villanueva,9
28. Jury Saldo Villaruel, 40
29. Larry Agulan, 62
30. Richard Pacaonse, 30
31. Genuine Lozada, 21
32. Gejo Ambing, 24
33. Alvin Patricio, 16
34. Antonio Dee, 45
According to Chief Inspector Bryan Bernardino, one of the suspects who also sustained wounds in the explosion is already in their custody. Bernardino added that the arrested suspect is only a high school student.
Police are still conducting follow-up investigation.
