Five persons linked to Tondo firecracker blast no-shows

Five persons of interest in the firecracker explosion in Tondo, Manila that killed a 12-year-old boy have yet to appear before authorities to explain their involvement, the Manila Police District (MPD) said.

According to Vonne Aquino’s report on 24 Oras Weekend on Sunday, the young victim was laid to rest at the Manila North Cemetery Columbarium last Friday, January 2. The boy died after picking up a firecracker from the street on December 28.

“Pa-file na lang natin ng kaso through regular filing ‘yung mga involved doon… hihintay na lang natin ‘yung resulta ng mga examination ng forensic unit natin ng MPD,” said MPD spokesperson Major Philipp Ines.

(We will proceed with the regular filing of criminal cases against those involved… We are just waiting for the results of the forensic examinations conducted by our MPD forensic unit.)

Meanwhile, the MPD said the victim’s friend, who was also injured in the blast, is still recovering in the hospital.

Separately, repair work is ongoing on one of the houses damaged by another firecracker explosion in Tondo on January 1.

However, the wife of the elderly man injured in that incident said they could not afford to repair their damaged home.

“Malaking perwisyo po kagaya po niyan, kapag umuulan, nababasa. Sana po umamin na po kung sino ang gumawa. Panagutan naman po nila kasi ang rami pong nasira,” said Elecita Jonales.

(This is a huge burden. When it rains, everything gets wet. I hope whoever did this comes forward and takes responsibility because so many things were destroyed.)

The MPD said a post-blast investigation indicated that an illegal firecracker may have been involved.

“Nalaman natin base sa nakuha nilang mga piraso ng ebidensya doon ‘yung posibleng ginamit dito na ilegal na paputok. Ito raw ‘yung tinatawag na ‘atomic bomb,’” Ines said.

(Based on the evidence collected, the possible firecracker used was an illegal one, reportedly referred to as an ‘atomic bomb.’)

Police are continuing to look for CCTV footage and witnesses who could help identify those responsible.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA Integrated News