CDO blast toll rises to 8

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Two more victims in the blast that rocked a restaurant in Cagayan de Oro City died, raising the death toll to 8.

Reynaldo Dalupan, an executive of UAP Pharmaceuticals (a United Laboratories subsidiary), died in a hospital in Cagayan de Oro Sunday evening, July 28.

This was according to a tweet by Dr Tony Leachon, vice president of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP). Leachon said the information was posted on the Facebook wall of the victim’s nephew who is his friend, Richard Dalupan.

Another victim, Dr Marciano Agustin, died early morning Monday, July 29, also according to Leachon.

Prior to this, Leachon told Rappler that Agustin fell into a coma. The information was relayed by colleagues caring for Agustin at the intensive care unit.

An earlier report by MindaNews said both Dalupan and Agustin were confined at the Polymedic Plaza in the city.

The explosion on Friday night occurred between Candy’s Café and Kyla’s Bistro at the Rosario Arcade, a strip of al fresco restaurants at the Limketkai Center.

Most of the victims were doctors and pharmaceutical salesmen who had just attended a national convention of lung-disease specialists at the nearby the Grand Caprice hotel, also at the Limketkai center, said the city police chief, Senior Supt Graciano Mijares.

Three of the victims died on the site, while 3 others died in hospitals on Saturday.

Three of the casualties – Emmanuel Falafox from Davao, Anthony Canete, and Ryan Estoese – were connected with Sandoz Pharma Phil Corp. 

The military’s 4th Infantry Division identified Misamis Oriental Provincial Board member Roldan Lagbas as one of the casualties. 

The first doctor among the casualties was Dr. Erwin Malanay, whom PCP vice president described as a “competent and hardworking physician.” His remains were flown home to Manila on Sunday, and his wake will be held at the Evergreen Chapels in Pasig City.

Injured victims were brought to the Polymedic Velez Hospital, Polymedic Plaza Hospital, and the Capitol University Medical Center.

Earlier, an “outraged” Philippine College of Physicians issued a strongly-worded statement on the incident.

It called on the government “to do more than just investigate” and to “exact accountability of its agencies in protecting its citizens from the barbaric ravages of terrorism.”

“We strongly condemn this assault to civil society…. These acts of terror have to end, and the police have to put in place consistent and more effective ways to curtail them. Our citizens deserve nothing less,” PCP president Dr. Precy Caguiao said.”

On Saturday, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II scolded policemen for allowing the owners of the establishments to clean up the crime scene even before authorities could finish their investigation. 

As a result, investigators have not gathered much evidence to determine what kind of explosive was used, which could have provided details on who could be behind the attack. – Miriam Grace A. Go/Rappler.com