CCTV catches 5 men who allegedly left firecracker that killed boy in Tondo

Five men are now being summoned to explain to authorities after they were caught on camera allegedly leaving the firecracker that killed a 12-year-old boy in Tondo, Manila last December 28. 

According to Jhomer Apresto’s report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday, CCTV footage from Barangay 226 caught a group of men walking along Almeda Street. One of them was seen holding a green eco bag. 

In another footage, they brought out an unidentified firecracker at Yuseco Street. The group was also caught stopping some motorists so they could light up the firecracker. 

Smoke came out from the firecracker but it never went off. The man who lit it later threw water on the firecracker. 

The men then lit up another firecracker, but it also failed to blow up. 

After more than 18 hours, CCTV caught victim Caezar Ruzcel Sarmiento and his friend lighting up a firecracker in the same area. But they moved to another place after they were reprimanded, the barangay said. 

In another footage, the two boys were seen crossing the street and stopped on the sidewalk before turning to A. Lorenzo Street. The barangay said that it was where they picked up the defective firecracker left by the group of men. 

“Itinabi doon sa gilid. Gabi na, yung mga bata nagpapaputok sa kabilang side, dadaanan ‘yun, nakuha,” said Barangay 226 chairperson Lally Polintan. 

(They left the firecracker on the side. In the evening, the kids were lighting firecrackers on the other side where people pass by, so they got their hands on the firecracker.) 

“Eh pinagbabawalan sila dito, doon nila dinala sa bakante na walang sisita sa kanila.” 

(They were not allowed to light firecrackers here, so they went to a vacant spot.) 

Polintan said some of the men were residents of the barangay, but claimed  the person who brought the firecrackers was just a visitor from Bulacan. 

The men were already told to appear before the police and give their statements. 

The Manila Police District earlier warned that those responsible for leaving the firecracker could be held liable following the death of Ruzcel. The incident seriously injured  his friend who underwent an operation. 

“Nakikipag-coordinate na tayo dito. Meron na tayong mga person of interest dito. At titignan natin doon sa process ng pag-iimbestiga kung meron silang magiging criminal liability dito,” said MPD spokesperson Police Major Philipp Ines. 

(We are coordinating on the case. We already have persons of interest here. And we will check during the investigation process if they are criminally liable.)

Ruzcel’s remains were cremated while his friend is now in stable condition. 

“May tama siya sa balikat tsaka ‘yung mata niya pinapagaling pa, kasi talagang medyo nasunog din,” said Barangay 223 kagawad Cyron Reyes. 

(His shoulder was affected and his eye is still being treated because it was burned.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News