Death toll rises to 4 in Roxas, Isabela blast; 85-year-old grandmother among killed

Reader advisory: This report involves the deaths of children and an elderly victim. Readers are advised to exercise discretion.

ROXAS, Isabela — The death toll from the explosion in Barangay Sinamar, Roxas, Isabela rose to four on Sunday after an 85-year-old woman who was among those injured in the blast also died.

The latest fatality was identified as Gloria Jabonitalla, a resident of Barangay Sinamar. Her death was confirmed by her daughter, Saj Jabonitalla, in a social media post and reported by Bombo Radyo Cauayan.

Jabonitalla was reportedly on her way to church when she was caught in the explosion in Purok Raniag at around 9 a.m. She was among those initially brought to the hospital following the blast.

A witness also recounted seeing one of the elderly woman’s relatives crying after finding her lying lifeless on the road following the explosion.

The three other fatalities were identified as John Mark M. Peralta, John Yohan J. Binuyat, and Emmanuel C. Disamito, all children from the area. Two other minors were injured in the incident.

Initial reports said some children had found and were playing with a metallic object shortly before it exploded. Authorities have yet to establish the exact type and origin of the suspected explosive device.

The Roxas-Mallig Plains Satellite Forensic Office and the Provincial EOD and Canine Unit were processing the blast site as police continued their investigation.