An improvised cannon, called locally as “lantakâ," injured a 6-year-old boy in Negros Oriental.

The child sustained burns in the hands while he was playing with the “lantakâ,” a type of noisemaker.

The incident happened in Barangay Azagra, Tanjay City on New Year’s Eve.

The child, Niño (not his real name), tried to produce a blast from the "lantakâ" owned by his uncle. But the other end of the “lantakâ” caught fire.

He was rushed to an urgent care clinic where he received treatment. He was sent home hours later.

The boy vowed reportedly not to play with a "lantakâ" again, or any other kind of firecracker.

According to his mother, the boy did not heed her when he was told not to touch any of his uncle’s personal belongings.  

Nevertheless, she is thankful that the boy was not wounded severely.

In addition, a 12-year-old boy in Barangay Poblacion 6 and a 16-year-old boy in Barangay Poblacion 9 were wounded also by a “lantakâ" in separate incidents.

Further, a 26-year-old woman in Barangay 9 was wounded on the foot when she was hit by a "kwitis," a rocket-type firecracker, while standing in front of her house.

The four individuals in Tanjay City are among 17 individuals in Negros Oriental hurt during the New Year revelry.

According to the authorities, the count is higher compared to 15 cases only in 2025, mostly due to “boga" or "lantakâ." 

Based on data from the Department of Health (DOH) Negros Island Region, 69 cases of fireworks-related injuries were recorded from December 21, 2025 to January 1, 2026; 49 cases in Negros Occidental, 17 in Negros Oriental, two in Bacolod City, and one in Siquijor.

(via Vic Camion, GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)