BY: CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
A grenade was discovered outside the home of a mayoral candidate in Barangay Naguirayan, Pidigan, Abra, alarming residents early Tuesday morning, March 19.
Authorities said the explosive, identified as an MK2 fragmentation hand grenade, was found wrapped in tape with its safety lever and pin removed.
The Pidigan Municipal Police Station, along with the Abra Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and K9 Unit, immediately cordoned off the area and recovered the safety lever nearby.
The grenade was found in front of the house of Artemio “Billy” Donato Jr., a candidate for mayor in the upcoming elections.
Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify possible suspects. The grenade was safely disposed of by the EOD team, and an investigation is ongoing.
This is the third grenade-throwing incident reported in Abra this March, raising concerns as the midterm national-local elections approach. Pidigan is among the towns classified under the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) “yellow category” hotspot list due to security concerns.
