Explosion at Marikina bullet factory kills 2

An explosion occurred on Monday afternoon at Armscor Global Defense Incorporated in Marikina City, resulting in two fatalities among male employees who were manufacturing bullets.

The blast caused chest injuries to a 34-year-old worker and the loss of both hands to a 44-year-old worker; the third employee with an eye injury has been discharged from the hospital.

Marikina Police Chief Colonel Geoffrey Fernandez said that mishandling of explosive materials could have caused the ignition, as one employee was transferring around five kilograms of primer mixture at a table near his colleague when it suddenly exploded.

The Philippine National Police Explosive and Ordnance Division is investigating possible mishandling due to the high sensitivity of the material involved in the blast.

Armscor Global Defense assured strict compliance with international standards and local regulations, emphasizing cooperation with the ongoing police investigation while the facility remains sealed.