8-year-old killed, 5 injured after suspected bomb blows up in Roxas, Isabela

ROXAS, Isabela — An 8-year-old boy died while five others, including four minors and an 85-year-old woman, were injured after an explosion in Barangay Sinamar, Roxas, Isabela on Sunday morning, October 4, 2026.

The incident occurred at around 9 a.m. in Purok Raniag, according to the initial information cited by XFM Santiago.

The fatality was identified only as alias “JM,” a Grade 3 pupil, while the other injured minors were identified as CJ, PJ, JJ and AP. An 85-year-old woman, identified as Gloria, was also injured.

Based on the initial police investigation, responding teams rushed to the area after receiving a report through their hotline. The victims were immediately brought to Manuel A. Roxas District Hospital for medical attention.

JM, however, was declared dead at the hospital.

Initial accounts from residents indicated that some children had found a metal object and were playing with it before the explosion. The object is suspected to have been an explosive device, although authorities have yet to determine its exact type.

A witness also told investigators that she saw the victims walking along the road shortly before she heard a loud explosion. When she looked toward the area, she saw the victims lying on the ground.

Police investigators are continuing to gather information and evidence to determine the exact nature of the suspected explosive device and the circumstances that led to the blast.

Authorities have yet to establish whether the object was indeed an explosive device and what type it may have been.

The incident remains under investigation.