Smoke erupts behind PNPA grounds during graduation rites

A large plume of dark smoke emerged behind the Philippine National Police Academy at Silang, Cavite in the middle of the 38th commencement exercises on Friday.

The smoke, seen behind the buildings of the PNPA as graduates of the 144-strong PNPA Masidlak (Mandirigmang Ahon sa Silangan Ipaglalaban ang Dangal, Layunin, at Kalayaan) Class of 2017 marched in the academy’s Gen. Cicero Campos Grandstand.

JUST IN: Pinangangambahang sunog malapit sa PNPA sa Silang, Cavite, agaw-atensiyon sa mga dumadalo sa graduation rites | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/Df8yAGDKCX

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) March 24, 2017

Super Radyo dzBB reporter Manny Vargas tweeted photos and pictures of the smoke, which grabbed the attention of parents and authorities in attendance.

Makapal na usok na tanaw mula sa PNPA graduation, agad atensiyon sa mga dumadalo sa aktibidad @dzbb pic.twitter.com/6oiFvSJfa9

— manny vargas (@VargasMannysen) March 24, 2017

GMA News reporter Tina Panganiban-Perez also tweeted a photo of the black smoke, which abated as the graduation rites went on.

Sunog ba yan sa labas ng PNPA? @gmanews https://t.co/QloqgNy7cT pic.twitter.com/mo3zaDOUyw

— Tina PanganibanPerez (@tinapperez) March 24, 2017

The ceremony was attended by President Roderigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo and concluded without incident.

Duterte presented the Presidential Kampilan to PNPA Masidlak Class of 2017 topnotcher Cadet Macdum Enca of Cotabato City.

Robredo, on the other hand, conferred the Vice Presidential Kampilan to the graduate who attained the second highest grade, Cadet Midzfar Hamis Omar of Tawi-Tawi. —Rie Takumi/KG, GMA News