2 dead in Masbate grenade blast

LEGAZPI CITY , Philippines– Two members of a government militia were killed while 14 soldiers were injured when a grenade exploded inside an Army detachment in the town of Mandaon in Masbate on Thursday, authorities reported yesterday.

Roberto Mesa and Quicken Reoyan, both members of the Civilian Active Auxiliary, were killed in the incident that occurred in Barangay San Juan, said Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, spokesperson for the Army 9th Infantry Division based in Pili, Camarines Sur.

Among the injured victims were detachment commander Sgt. Roger Habetacion and six-year-old Sammy Reoyan. The others were identified as Army troopers Ruel Sachon, Alvin Mesa, Danilo Dixon, Jerome Relox, Antonio Ra, Alvin Zapra, Romy Ariola, Deje Cabarles, Francis Alava, Ramil Adobas, Ranilo Recto and John Zapra. 

Aguilar said Mesa and Reoyan were reportedly cleaning their rifles and the soldiers were holding a briefing when the explosion occurred at around 8:50 a.m.

Authorities were still investigating the incident.