(Screengrab from Calapan City Information Office Facebook live video)
MANILA – At least 15 people were injured in an explosion due to a suspected gas leak inside a restaurant in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on Thursday morning.
Police Regional Office (PRO) 4B (Mimaropa) chief Brig. Gen. Joel Doria said the blast happened around 10:20 a.m. inside Mr. Won's Samgyeopsal Korean Restaurant located at Xentro Mall in Barangay Lumangbayan, Calapan City, injuring four staff members, one delivery man, and 10 other unidentified individuals.
Twelve vehicles sustained varying degrees of damage from the blast.
In response, Doria said immediate action was taken by activating the Incident Command Post (ICP) in coordination with the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) and the Calapan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Doria assured the public that they are working closely with the BFP to facilitate a thorough investigation of the incident.
“In light of this unfortunate event, PRO MIMAROPA would like to assure the public that utmost efforts are being made to ensure their safety and well-being. Our law enforcement personnel are working closely with the BFP to gather all necessary evidence and information to facilitate a thorough investigation,” said Doria in a statement.
Doria emphasized that the situation is being given the highest priority.
“We understand the concerns and anxieties of the community, and we want to emphasize that the situation is being given the highest priority. We urge the public to remain calm and cooperative with the authorities,” he said.
“Any information related to the incident that may assist the investigation should be promptly reported to the nearest police station or through the designated hotlines,” he added. (PNA)
