An 85-year-old woman and three children were killed after a suspected rifle grenade found in a drainage canal exploded in Barangay Sinamar, Roxas, Isabela on Oct. 4.
Police said several children were playing in Purok Raniag when they found the object. At around 9 a.m., an 8-year-old boy identified only as alias “JM” reportedly struck it against a rock, triggering the blast.
Four other children were injured and remained in stable condition as of Oct. 5.
Investigators have yet to determine where the suspected rifle grenade came from, how long it had been in the area or how it ended up in a drainage canal accessible to residents. The Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit conducted a post-blast investigation, while forensic personnel processed the scene.
Protocols for unexploded and abandoned ordnance require suspected explosive devices to be secured, identified and safely disposed of, with civilians kept away from affected areas until authorities complete clearance operations.
The Philippines is also bound by international rules on explosive remnants of war that require affected areas to be assessed, marked and cleared, with warnings issued to communities facing possible risks.
Authorities have not linked the suspected rifle grenade to the Armed Forces of the Philippines or to any specific military operation. Its origin remains under investigation.
