From Rappler (Jun 24): Peace worker hurt in Isabela Army camp blast
The vice chairman of the Cordillera Forum for Peace and Development Inc (CFPDI), a non-governmental organization, was wounded in a grenade explosion inside the Philippine Army headquarters in Isabela province Monday morning, June 24.
The vice chairman of the Cordillera Forum for Peace and Development Inc (CFPDI), a non-governmental organization, was wounded in a grenade explosion inside the Philippine Army headquarters in Isabela province Monday morning, June 24.
Felipe Carino, vice chairman of the CFPDI, was in a van with 7 other passengers, including the driver, when a hand grenade exploded under it.
Carino sustained injuries on his lower body, and was immediately brought to the 5th ID hospital for treatment.
1st Lt Rowena Abayon, public affairs chief of the 5th Infantry Division, said the Mitsubishi van carrying the CFPDI people was parked in the vicinity of the Philippine Army Assistance for Rural Advancement on Literacy (Paaral) building of the Army's 5th ID headqarters in Camp Melchor dela Cruz.
The explosion also shattered the van's windshield and blew out its front tires.
The Philippine Army would not speculate on the motive behind the explosion, but said it was an "isolated incident."
The CFPDI is an NGO organized by the former Cordillera People's Liberation Army.
Several of the NGO's members have been in the 5th ID headquarters since January for processing as part of their integration into the regular force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Abayon said despite the blast, the Army's 5th ID will push through with the scheduled opening of the Candidate Soldier Course Class 346-13 on Wednesday, June 26.