Antipolo blast survivor: Victims high on drugs

MANILA, Philippines - A survivor in last Sunday’s grenade explosion in Antipolo City that left three persons dead yesterday admitted that they were under the influence of illegal drugs when the incident occurred.

James Joel Starling, who was wounded in the right foot, said his companions played with the grenade, which they thought was a dud.

Starling’s companions -– identified as Ronald Tupino, Art dela Cruz and Michael Wong – were killed when the grenade exploded, city police chief Superintendent Dennis Macalintal said.

Starling was placed under the custody of the Antipolo City police while another victim, Benny Flores, remains in critical condition at a hospital.

Citing reports gathered by his men, Macalintal said it was Flores who brought three hand grenades, assorted magazines and ammunition to the house of Tupino’s uncle in Sitio Taguisan, Barangay Bagong Nayon.

Macalintal said the group had a drinking and shabu session.

He said the drugs came from Tupino, reportedly a known drug pusher in the area.

Tupino reportedly pulled the safety pin and handed the grenade to Dela Cruz, who placed it in a glass.

“This will not explode,” Starling quoted Tupino as saying after handing over the grenade to Dela Cruz.

Upon seeing the grenade’s safety pin removed, Starling said he ran to the house of a certain Eric Ramos, where he stayed hidden until the police officers arrived.

Macalintal had Ramos arrested.

A search on Ramos house resulted in the recovery of drug paraphernalia.

Starling denied he was a drug pusher.

Macalintal said he would subject Starling, Ramos and Flores to a drug test.

Police are preparing to file charges against the three.