4 confirmed dead in Cavite factory blast

MANILA, Philippines – Four people were confirmed dead in a blast that hit a fireworks factory in Trece Martires City in Cavite province Thursday. Three of the fatalities were identified as factory workers. Ryan Lucero, acting area manager in the Starmaker Fireworks factory, identified the three as Christian Panganiban, Rodelio Iso, and Marlon Rodrin. "Paputok lang ang narinig ko (I just heard loud explosions)," he told dzBB radio’s Denver Trinidad when asked to recall the details of the incident. Lucero identified the three as Christian Panganiban, Rodelio Iso, and Marlon Rodrim. The report said Lucero was bloodied when he approached authorities. He did not immediately identify a fourth body recovered from the factory. A dzBB report said a fifth fatality died at a hospital earlier. The blast left scores of people injured. Earlier, Trece Martires Mayor Melencio de Sagun Jr. cited initial reports reaching him that the incident stemmed from a test of fireworks that went awry. "Personal estimate di bababa ng lima, pataas po (My personal estimate is that at least five were killed and the death toll may rise)," De Sagun said in an interview on dzBB radio. De Sagun said the fireworks were to be delivered to the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. "Ang talagang pagkakamali yung tao nag-testing na ‘di naman dapat nag-testing sa loob ng compound (The one who tested it violated a rule barring testing inside the compound)," he said. When asked if the one testing the fireworks was among the casualties, he said, "Ang tingin ko, ang tingin ko (I think so, I think so)." He also said at least 40 were rushed to nearby hospitals. De Sagun said the factory of Starworks was inside an industrial zone. - Sophia M. Dedace, GMANews.TV