TWO persons were killed while another was seriously injured in an explosion at a firearms and ammunition factory in Barangay Fortune, Marikina City last Monday afternoon.
Col. Geoffrey Fernandez, local police chief, said two of the victims succumbed to their injuries while under observation at the Amang Rodriguez Medical Center due to severe body injuries.
The third is still under observation at the same hospital. All are employees of Armscor Global Defense Incorporated (AGDI).
Fernandez said friction may have been the cause of the explosion.
Martin Tuason, chairman, president, and CEO of AGDI, expressed their condolences and sympathy to the victims and their families and promised to extend all-out support.
The Department of Labor and Employment yesterday ordered an investigation of the deadly explosion.
In a phone interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said he has ordered the DOLE – National Capital Region (NCR) to investigate the incident.
“I have directed the DOLE-NCR to investigate the matter so as to provide help to the workers, and come up with recommendations to address the situation and prevent similar occurrences that can put in peril the safety of the workers,” said Laguesma.
He said this is imperative to prevent a repeat of the incident.
“The health and safety of all workers are first and foremost the serious concern of the DOLE, particularly in companies where the hazards and risks to workers’ lives are high,” said Laguesma.
Asked if the DOLE has imposed a Work Stoppage Order for the facility, he said it will depend on the results of the probe.
“That will be part of the action that can be taken by the DOLE-NCR, if warranted,” said Laguesma.
Based on the initial investigation by the Marikina City Police, a box containing primer exploded inside the factory.
