The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) on Saturday, December 27, 2025, said the minor brought to a hospital was not injured by a firecracker.

In a report by GMA Super Radyo Davao, the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) said the boy from Toril, Davao City was brought to the hospital after an improvised firecracker called “lantaka” reportedly exploded in his hand.

The hospital said the boy sustained an injury to his hand and is already in stable condition.

SPMC also said this was the first firecracker-related incident recorded at the hospital, as of this writing.

However, DPCO issued a statement clarifying that the boy was not involved in the use of “lantaka.”

DCPO said the boy sustained burns while playing with a plastic bottle after pouring alcohol into it and lighting it.

“These findings were verified on the ground and confirmed by the child’s parent, disproving claims that the incident was firecracker-related,” DCPO said.

Meanwhile, DCPO reiterated its warning against individuals who intend to violate the city’s firecracker ban.

“Let this serve as a warning—there will be NO MERCY. Anyone caught violating the firecracker ban will be charged accordingly. We will strictly enforce the law to protect the safety of our community, especially our children,” DCPO Director, Col. Mannan Muarip, said.

(With reports from John Ryan Calonia, GMA Super Radyo Davao)