Explosion During Firecracker Disposal in Zamboanga Injures Three Coast Guard Personnel

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Three members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sustained injuries during a firecracker disposal operation that ended in an explosion in Barangay Cabatangan, Zamboanga City on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the explosion involved members of the PCG’s K9 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit – Southwestern Mindanao, specifically two petty officers third class and one seaman first class, who all sustained minor injuries. The explosion was attributed to a “premature detonation” during the joint operation, which also affected other uniformed personnel. The Philippine National Police (PNP) highlighted that a total of 19 uniformed personnel were severely wounded out of the 27 reported injuries.

The explosion followed the confiscation of firecrackers in Barangay Tetuan on June 29. The Zamboanga City Police Office provided further details, noting that the incident wounded a mix of eight civilians, six police officers, five Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, and five members of the Philippine Marine Corps, in addition to the three PCG members.