‘Goodbye Philippines’ dud explodes in 11-year-old’s hand in Tondo

An 11-year-old lost his right hand while toying with a banned firecracker in Barangay 117, Tondo, Manila on New Year's day.

According to Ian Cruz's report on "24 Oras", CCTV footage showed the "Goodbye Philippines" dud exploding after Richard Reyes played with it at 3 a.m. on Monday.

The blast also left Reyes' 13-year-old companion Kenneth Amaas with several wounds on his face.

An investigation into the prohibited firecracker's purchase was launched by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as the buyer, vendor, and  manufacturer face criminal complaints.

Reyes and Amaas are seeking treatment for severe injuries at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC).

"Definitely affected talaga 'yung face...Hindi nila talaga ma'open 'yung eyes and malaki talaga 'yung injury sa kanila," Dr. Kimberly Advento said.

"Malaki pa 'yung magiging scar sa kanila. Not only physically but definitely, emotionally," she added.

The accident took place at a barangay excluded from the PNP's list of "firecracker zones" in Metro Manila.

Moreover, the kids reportedly did not listen to a street sweeper's warning not to play with firecrackers that initially didn't explode or duds.

"Sinaway ko 'yon kaya umalis sila. Hindi ko aakalaing babalik sila," said Bobot Albario, who was seen on CCTV driving the group of children away from the pile containing the dangerous firecracker just a few hours before it exploded.

After the blast, nearby residents rushed Reyes and Amaas to the hospital.

"Nananawagan ho akosa may mga magagandang looban. Kung maaari po, tulungan niyo 'tong batang 'to, kahit kapitbahay lang ho namin 'to, noong makita ko pong (inaudible) ho 'yung bata, hindi ko nakakayanan," added Barangay kagawad Teng Lopez.

The victims were playing with another twelve-year-old companion "Jazz," who went  home just before the mishap.

"(Sana) gumaling na po sila, tsaka sana maligtas po 'yung buhay nila," the child said. —Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News