• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
A 10-year-old male student sustained injuries after accidentally igniting a firecracker that initially failed to explode in Purok Pine Tree, Barangay Tabunan, Bago City, Negros Occidental, on Friday, December 26.
Initial investigation by the Bago City Police Station revealed that the victim was in front of his grandfather’s store, playing with his grandmother’s Santa hat. Unbeknownst to him, the hat contained a triangular firecracker placed inside a compartment within the hat.
Police reports indicate that when the boy rotated the Santa hat several times, the firecracker powder ignited and exploded. As a result, he sustained injuries to his left hand.
The victim’s mother, who was asleep at the time, heard the explosion and immediately went outside. She then rushed her son to Bago City Hospital for medical treatment.
This incident marks the second firecracker-related injury involving a minor reported by the Negros Occidental Police Office this month, following the incident on December 19 where a 13-year-old boy was injured at the Eco Center Relocation Site in Barangay Butuan after placing a firecracker inside a condensed milk can.
The can burst upon detonation, causing fragments to strike the victim’s head.
Authorities continue to urge the public, especially parents, to prohibit children from using firecrackers to prevent such accidents.
“We hope parents will be vigilant about what their children are buying, especially firecrackers. They must monitor their children closely,” said PCapt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson for the Negros Occidental Police Office. He also warned that vendors selling firecrackers without proper permits will be held accountable.*
