2 victims in bullet factory explosion die

MANILA, Philippines — Two of the three men who were injured in an explosion in a bullet manufacturing facility in Marikina have died.

The victims, who are employees of Armscor Global Defense Inc., succumbed to injuries, the AGDI said yesterday.

“We condoled with the families of the deceased. All the necessary assistance and support are being extended to the families of the fatalities,” AGDI chairman Martin Tuason said in a statement.

The third victim has been discharged from the hospital.

The AGDI did not disclose the identities of the victims.

Marikina police chief Col. Geoffrey Fernandez said the explosion was caused by the mishandling of a container of primer, which is used in manufacturing ammunition.

Tuason said they are cooperating in the probe being conducted by police and other government agencies.

He said AGDI, in its decades of operation, has been compliant not only with international standards and industry practices but also with local regulations.

“That is why we are leaving no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of this incident,” Tuason said.

Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said he had ordered the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)’s National Capital Region office to conduct an inquiry and provide assistance to the victims.

If evidence warrants, Laguesma said the DOLE would shut down the bullet factory.

“We prioritize the health and safety of employees, particularly in companies where hazards and risks to workers are high,” he said.

Labor coalition Nagkaisa and Gabriela party-list said Armscor should be held liable for the explosion.

Nagkaisa chairman Sonny Matula said they received information that this is the second time that an explosion occurred in the bullet manufacturing facility.

In February 2024, four people were injured when an explosion occurred in the Armscor facility. — Jose Rodel Clapano