Army’s 4ID ammo complex fire injures 3; probe underway

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12, 2022): Army’s 4ID ammo complex fire injures 3; probe underway (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Facade of the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro (Screengrab from video)

The Philippine Army (PA) will conduct an internal investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire that hit the ammunition complex of the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro early Tuesday morning.

"The Army will launch an internal investigation aimed at preventing similar incidents," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement sent to reporters.

Trinidad, however, said the PA will cooperate with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in its probe of the incident.

"The Army's explosive ordnance experts said a 'cool-off period' will be observed before launching a formal investigation of the incident to avoid risks of residual fires or explosions," he added.

Trinidad also said the PA leadership will provide assistance to the displaced families and injured civilians.

Earlier reports said that around 49 families, numbering 233 individuals, living near the ammunition complex are now temporarily sheltered at the 4th Infantry Division gymnasium and the Barangay Patag covered court.

PA personnel provided stress debriefing and psychosocial support for the affected families.

No troops were injured in the incident but three civilians were taken to the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The fire and subsequent explosions took place around past midnight at one of the buildings of the ammunition complex of the 10th Forward Service Support Unit, Army Support Command.

The building houses 155mm howitzer rounds and various small arms ammunition.

The fire was declared out at 3:10 a.m.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commended the BFP for its prompt response.

"The AFP also commends the officials of Brgy. Patag and the Cagayan de Oro City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) for the immediate psycho-social intervention and stress debriefing being provided to the affected individuals," AFP acting spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1178706