Grenade kills 3, hurts 2 in Antipolo City

MANILA, Philippines - Three people were killed while two others were wounded when a hand grenade exploded in their midst at the height of a drinking and pot session in Antipolo City yesterday.

Rizal provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Bernabe Balba identified those killed as Ronald Tupino, Michael Wong and Arthur dela Cruz and those injured as Benny Flores and James Joel Starling.

He added that Flores is in critical condition at a local hospital.

The explosion occurred in a room rented by Tupino’s uncle in Sitio Taguisan, in Barangay Bagong Nayon at about 10:35 a.m. yesterday. Investigators found bottles of liquor, sachets of shabu, drug paraphernalia, two hand grenades, a magazine for an M-14 rifle, and assorted ammunition.

Antipolo City police chief Superintendent Dennis Macalintal said some witnesses identified Tupino and Starling as drug pushers operating in their barangay and nearby areas.