Grenade blast kills boy, hurts 5 in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines - A nine-year-old boy died and five others were injured when a grenade hurled by unidentified men exploded in Pasay City Wednesday night.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Raul Petrasanta said the grenade landed near Paul Kevin Doctolero, a second-grader who suffered serious head injuries when he hit a concrete wall after the blast threw him several feet away. He died while undergoing treatment at the Pasay City General Hospital.

Initial investigation showed that at about 7:10 p.m., four unidentified suspects paused in front of a house at the corner of Lawaan and Acacia streets in Barangay 145, Barrio Sto. Niño, hurled the MK2 fragmentation grenade and fled the area.

Police said their initial investigation showed a dispute over illegal drugs as the motive for the attack. Petrasanta said a manhunt has already been launched against the suspects.

Those who suffered serious injuries and are still confined at the same hospital are Jomarie Olayres, 13, a third-grader; Rosalina Mago, 49, housewife; Antonio Mago, 49, mechanic; Bernardina Ellar, 49, businesswoman; and Noel Besing, 37, construction worker.