MPD identifies persons of interest in fatal firecracker mishap

Police are investigating whether criminal charges will be filed following a firecracker explosion in Tondo that killed a 12-year-old boy and injured another, authorities said Tuesday.

Manila Police District (MPD) spokesperson Maj. Philipp Ines confirmed that investigators have identified several persons of interest believed to have left the firecrackers in the area.

“We are coordinating and we already have persons of interest,” Ines said in an online interview. “We will determine through the investigation process if they will have criminal liability.”

The explosion occurred around 8:23 p.m. Sunday near the corner of Lorenzo Street and Jose Abad Santos Avenue.

Investigators said two 12-year-old boys were walking when they discovered suspected firecrackers on the pavement.

According to the preliminary report, one of the children used a disposable lighter to ignite a firecracker, triggering the blast. One boy sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second victim was taken to Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, where he remains hospitalized for treatment.

Police recovered a disposable lighter and firecracker debris from the site. Ines said investigators are currently waiting to take statements from the identified persons of interest.

The incident comes amid a heightened nationwide alert regarding firecracker safety as the country prepares for New Year’s Eve celebrations.