Report: 3 die, 7 hurt in Iloilo firecracker blast

At least three people were reported killed and seven others injured in an explosion believed caused by firecracker ingredients stored in their house in Iloilo province Sunday. Radio dzBB reported Monday that the incident occurred past 5 p.m. Sunday in Mohon village in Iloilo City's Arevalo district. Firecracker making is said to be a local industry in the Arevalo district. The fatalities were initially identified as Rodesa Gallena; Ruther Gallena; and their grandmother Josefina Gallena. Seven people were rushed to various hospitals in Iloilo City but were not immediately named. Arson investigators are still looking into the cause of the fire and are not discounting the possibility of firecracker materials inside the house exploding. Bureau of Fire Protection investigator Fire Officer 1 Rollin Hormina said the fire started at the house of one Rodrigo, and spread to nearby houses, including that of the fatalities. — RSJ, GMANews.TV