DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Three children were killed after an M203 grenade they were playing exploded at Purok 6, Sitio Neptune, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga town in Surigao del Sur on Monday, February 5.
Civil-military operations officer of the 75th Infantry Battalion First Lieutenant Michael Pascua identified the victims as Rynna G. Tui, 12; Renz P. Galdiano, 3; and 1-year-old Reden P. Galdiano.
He said they are still investigating to determine how the children got the grenade reportedly owned by Reger Galdiano, the victims’ father.
The IP group Kahugpungan sa mga Lumadnong Organisasyon (KASALO) – Caraga identified Reger Galdiano as a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu).
The group also claimed the military owns the M203 grenade which exploded on Monday.
The group expressed its condolences to the bereaved family and claimed that elements of the 75th IB “have been occupying Sitio Neptune” since last year.
Pascua refuted the claims saying Galdiano was not a member of the Cafgu but a maker of furniture.
He added that the victim “might have found the grenade while looking for materials in the hinterland.”
Pascua said members of the Alpha Company of the 75th IB, Lianga police, and barangay officials immediately proceeded to the area to verify the report and provide necessary assistance.
Upon arrival, they found three dead bodies of the kids at the terrace of Galdiano’s residence.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) report revealed that fragments of the grenade launcher were found on the dead bodies.
Based on the initial report, Renz was playing the grenade with Rynna and Reden when the grenade exploded. (davaotoday.com)
