2nd soldier in Fort Boni blast dies

MANILA, Philippines - Another soldier who was injured in a blast that rocked Fort Bonifacio last week has died.

M/Sgt. Ferdinand Rafal, 51, passed away Tuesday night at the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said, adding that Rafal sustained burns on about 80 percent of his body.

Cpl. Bernabe Mota died last May 9 at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center. 

An Army officer identified as 1Lt. Dinar Alosada is still in critical condition at the EAMC burn unit.

A total of 32 persons, including Rafal and Mota, were hurt due to blasts caused by a fire that hit the Explosive and Ordnance Disposal Battalion headquarters of the Army Support Command last week.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri said they have formed a board of inquiry to determine the cause of the incident.