The Marikina City Police confirmed that two people have died following an explosion inside the Armscor Global Defense Inc. ammunition manufacturing facility in Barangay Fortune, Marikina City on Monday, July 7.
Confirming to DZRH with Edniel Parrosa, Police Colonel Geoffrey Fernandez, chief of the Marikina Police, said that a 44-year-old male employee who lost his hand in the blast succumbed to his injuries past 8 p.m. on Monday.
Earlier, at around 5:15 p.m., a 34-year-old co-worker died after being struck in the chest by shrapnel during the incident.
Meanwhile, one of the three injured victims remains confined at Marikina Valley Hospital after suffering an eye injury and experiencing hearing difficulties due to the blast.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
Police are expected to review CCTV footage from the facility this morning to investigate the suspected detonation of a "primer," a component of a bullet, believed to be the source of the blast.
"Babalikan ngayong umaga 'yung CCTV footage kung makakuha, kasi kahapon sabi ng Armscor wala 'yung IT nila," said Fernandez.
In a statement, Armscor assured assistance to the families of their affected employees and said they are coordinating with the Philippine National Police as investigations continue.
The company also maintained that it adheres to international standards and practices in ammunition production.
The Marikina Police continue to investigate the incident.
