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Lorenzana orders review of Gov't Arsenal safety measures

By Priam Nepomuceno

May 27, 2021, 10:55 am

<p>Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana <em>(File photo)</em></p>

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday ordered the Government Arsenal (GA) in Limay, Bataan to review its safety and protective measures, following the explosion at the facility that killed two personnel and wounded two others on Wednesday morning.

"The SND (Secretary of National Defense) has directed the GA to conduct a thorough review of the safety and protective measures implemented in the manufacturing facilities to ensure that a similar incident will be avoided in the future," Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

He added the DND chief also conveyed his condolences to the affected families of the victims of the explosion.

"The GA shall also ensure that appropriate assistance and attention are extended to the families of the personnel who died in the line of duty," Andolong said.

Based on initial investigation, the explosion occurred during the preparation of the priming composition for caliber .45 bullets at the primer composition mixing facility of the GA's Explosives Division.

Killed in the explosion were Ricardo Solomon, 40, and Marvin Tatel, 38, while those wounded were Macreldo Rodriguez, 57, and Allan Wisco, 36.

"The GA is conducting a separate investigation on the circumstances surrounding the explosion and will be submitting its full report to the Department of National Defense. Meanwhile, we are looking after the welfare of the families of the victims and ensuring that the two other affected personnel are receiving the appropriate medical attention," GA director Arnel Rafael Y. Depakakibo said in a separate statement. (PNA)

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