Basilan: A rubber tapper was killed Thursday morning after an explosion ripped through the plantation where he was working in a remote village in Sumisip, Basilan, police reported. Capt. Jakaria Muin, Sumisip police chief, identified the fatality as John Roy Alvarez, an employee of the Manggal Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development Cooperative (Marbedco).

According to Philippines News Agency, the explosion occurred near the tree Alvarez was tapping around 7:30 a.m. in Barangay Mangal. The victim was transported to Basilan General Hospital in Isabela City but succumbed to his injuries. A rapid response team from the police and the Philippine Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion immediately cordoned off the blast site, which is about a kilometer from the highway.

Jonas Dela Torre, Marbedco chairperson, stated that Alvarez had been a valued employee for about eight years, known for his diligence and good conduct. Muin mentioned that an in-depth investigation is underway to determine the type of explosives used and the motive.

In a separate incident, police are hunting a rubber plantation caretaker involved in a shooting Wednesday evening in Barangay Sengal, Lamitan City. The suspect, Manding Sumampil, allegedly shot and wounded 58-year-old charcoal maker Tahir Jadjuri following a verbal argument. Jadjuri is in stable condition at a Lamitan City hospital, police said.