Zambales drinking session ends with accidental grenade explosion

Drinking and explosives do not mix. This is the lesson learned from an accidental grenade explosion at around 9 in the evening on Wednesday in Castillejos town, Zambales province. What began as a laidback drinking session among friends ended with at least seven people in the hospital. A radio dzXL report identified the seven as Carlito Pedaliso, Rolly Chua, Wilfredo Zamora, Jess Anthony Capuris, Almira Dawal, Rosalinda Miranda, and Ailene Cardenas. Police Inspector Joan Sibayan told GMANews.TV that Zamora arrived with the grenade at the Sunga compound in St. Nichols Subdivision, Barangay Del Pilar. “Pinagmayabang niya, tapos pinaglaruan nila, nakainom na sila noon," said Sibayan. After a while, they noticed the grenade pin was dislodged, and in panic, they threw the grenade aside. It did not fall far and the seven were brought to nearby San Marcelino District Hospital to be treated for minor injuries from shrapnel. “Nung napansin nila na natanggal, tinapon nila. Hindi malayo, kaya tinamaan sila ng shrapnel," said Sibayen. The victims, now in stable condition, were able to go home, except for Pedaliso who was transferred to James Gordon Memorial Hospital in Olongapo, where he remains in critical condition. Sibayan said that the source of the grenade is still being determined, as well as whether Zamora will be facing charges. In their police interrogation, the other victims have said they will not press charges, since they are friends. “Tinanong muna yung mga kasama kung magfile sila ng complaint, hindi naman daw kasi magkaibigan nga sila." They have yet to find out if he will be charged under the Comelec gun ban. Authorities are presently enforcing a nationwide ban on guns and explosives to ensure the May 10 elections are peaceful. - Carmela Lapeña, RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV