2 dead, 4 hurt in Davao police station grenade blast

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Two persons were killed and four others were wounded when a grenade exploded in the police station in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur yesterday morning.

Reynaldo Salang, 56, who was arrested for carrying four grenades and a .45 caliber pistol; and retired policeman David Bacon died in the explosion.

Southern Mindanao regional police director Chief Superintendent Wendy Rosario told The STAR that Salang, who claimed he was a former Army soldier, was arrested in Zone 4, Poblacion district in Sta. Cruz. 

While in the police station’s detention cell, Salang shouted that he has another hand grenade. When Bacon tried to pacify him and asked for the grenade, it exploded.

Three police officers, identified only as Pantaleon, Tabon and Rey Navarro; and retired policeman Noeh Casas were wounded. They were brought to the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital.

Rosario said the incident showed lapses in the handling of the suspect. 

“We are asking why the arresting officer did not frisk him well and that he still had a hand grenade when he was detained,” Rosario said.