ARAKAN, Cotabato — A tragic explosion involving a 40-millimeter grenade ammunition claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy and injured two other minors in Sitio Danao, Barangay Ganatan, Arakan, Cotabato on Monday morning, June 22, authorities reported.
The fatal incident occurred while a group of children were bathing in a creek and washing a horse near the area when they reportedly discovered what was later identified as a 40mm grenade launcher ammunition.
The victim was identified as Mateo John Omiled Lopez, 10, who sustained severe injuries from the blast and died instantly at the scene. Injured in the incident were John Mark Lopez, 17, who suffered wounds on his left leg, and Juliana Camayudo, 8, who sustained injuries near her right armpit. Both survivors were immediately rushed to the Arakan Health Unit and later transferred for further medical treatment.
According to the initial investigation conducted by the Arakan Municipal Police Station and military authorities, the explosion happened between 10:20 a.m. and 10:58 a.m. near a creek frequently visited by local residents and children.
Investigators revealed that one of the children allegedly found the unexploded ammunition and, unaware of the danger it posed, struck it repeatedly against a rock while playing. Moments later, the ordnance detonated, triggering a powerful explosion that sent shrapnel flying in all directions.
Witness Ferland Omiled, a relative of the victims, said he was washing clothes near the creek while several children, including his nephews and nieces, were swimming and bathing a horse nearby.
“I suddenly heard a loud explosion coming from where the children were playing,” he recounted.
When he rushed to the scene, he found Mateo John lying lifeless with catastrophic injuries on the left side of his body. The two other victims were also wounded by the blast.
Authorities have yet to determine how the military-grade ammunition ended up in the area. The incident has raised serious concerns about the possible presence of unexploded ordnance in communities, particularly in remote areas where armed conflicts had previously occurred.
Cotabato Police Provincial Director PCOL Ramel Hojilla said investigators are focusing on tracing the origin of the explosive device and determining whether there are additional unexploded munitions in the vicinity that could pose a threat to residents.
Personnel from the 72nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, who were conducting patrol operations nearby, immediately responded to the scene and assisted in the evacuation of the victims while securing the area.
Meanwhile, members of the Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K9 Unit (EOD-K9) launched a post-blast investigation to identify the exact nature of the explosive and determine whether negligence or other factors contributed to the tragedy.
Authorities also conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area to ensure no additional unexploded ammunition remained that could endanger residents, particularly children.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by unexploded military ordnance. Local officials and law enforcement agencies have renewed their appeal to the public, especially parents and guardians, to educate children about the risks of touching unfamiliar metallic objects or suspected explosives.
Residents are strongly urged not to handle, move, or tamper with any suspicious object and instead immediately report such discoveries to the police, military, or local government authorities.
As investigations continue, the family of Mateo John mourns the heartbreaking loss of a young life cut short by a deadly explosive that should never have been within reach of children.
The tragedy has left the community of Barangay Ganatan in shock and grief, while authorities work to uncover how the dangerous ammunition found its way into an area frequented by families and children.