Three women sustained minor injuries when they were hit by fireworks during the arrival of the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines for the blessing of the Pope John Paul II Tower at the Reclamation Area in Bacolod City at about 4:40 p.m. yesterday.

Papal Nuncio Joseph Edward Adams was invited to Bacolod City by Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra for the blessing of the Pope John Paul II statue and 7-storey memorial tower yesterday.

The tower was turned over by Bacolod businessman Simplicio Palanca to the Diocese of Bacolod.

The statue of the late pope was sculpted by Bro. Jaazel Jakosalem.

The women, Stephanie Azecena, Nemia Faicol and Lorena Esedido Esedido, 65, of Barangay 38, were brought by the Amity Volunteers to the Riverside Medical Center for treatment after the incident.

Esedido said she and Faicol were standing behind the audience who were seated in front of the stage near the tower when they were hit by fireworks.

She said she was glad that the fireworks only hit her bag so she was not hurt.*CGS

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