Thick smoke rose over Barangay Tebeng in Dagupan City afternoon on Sunday, November 16, 2025, after an illegal firecracker workshop exploded, damaging homes nearby and injuring five residents.
The fire following the explosion lasted for about an hour as responders rushed to control it.
Angel Abalos, a resident living close to the area, said the blasts came without warning.
“Parang bulkan na sumabog, napakataas. Ang lakas ng lindol,” she said.
The explosion shattered windows and damaged several household items in houses nearby due to the strong blast wave.
Dagupan City Fire Marshal FCInsp. Jun Eland Wanawan said four houses suffered damage.
“Based sa report natin ay nasa apat na bahay yung nagtamo ng damage… Yung majority ng damage nila is [dahil] sa pagsabog,” he said.
Dagupan City Police Office Director, PCol. Orly Pagaduan, said initial findings showed the workshop was conducting testing without proper safety equipment.
“Accordingly, nagti-testing sila. At walang roof yung pagawaan, tolda lang. May nakakalat na black powder doon at natamaan ng baga,” he said.
He added that the facility was operating illegally.
“Wala silang permit. Nakita ito ng SOCO at EOD at wala silang mga gamit for safety,” Pagaduan said.
Five individuals were reported injured, including one in critical condition.
“Initially, tatlo po yung tinakbo sa ospital. After two hours, may dalawa pa na matanda kasi na nasabugan ng mga bubog. Yung isa is nandoon sa loob ng pagawaan, then yung dalawa is nandoon sa loob ng bahay na katapat ng pagawaaan,” Pagaduan said.
Authorities said residents did not know that a firecracker workshop existed inside the compound, where most occupants were boarders.
Wanawan said firecracker production must be far from homes and other structures.
“Kailangan malayo po yung pagawaan ng mga paputok sa mga structures, lalong-lalo na sa mga bahay,” he said.
As of press time, GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon is trying to reach the owner of the workshop for comment, while authorities continue their investigation.
