MANILA — A 12-year-old boy was killed while his companion of the same age was injured after a firecracker exploded in their hands on Sunday night in Tondo, Manila, police confirmed.

A tricycle driver saw the two boys sitting on the sidewalk along A. Lorenzo Street near Jose Abad Santos Avenue at around 8:23 p.m., holding an unidentified firecracker. Moments later, an explosion occurred, fatally wounding one of the children. The blast was captured on CCTV footage from Barangay 224.

The victim died instantly from the severe injuries, while his friend was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities said the firecracker involved was believed to be a “big triangle” firework, which the boys reportedly picked up and ignited.

The Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) immediately extended assistance to the victim’s family, including financial aid for burial expenses, and pledged support for the hospitalization and recovery of the surviving child.

Local officials condemned the incident and reminded the public of the dangers of illegal and powerful firecrackers, especially during the holiday season. Police investigators are conducting a forensic analysis to determine whether the explosive device was a prohibited or modified firecracker.

The tragedy has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of firecracker regulations, with authorities urging parents to monitor children during New Year festivities closely. The Philippine National Police (PNP) reiterated its annual campaign against indiscriminate and illegal use of pyrotechnics, stressing that violators will face criminal charges.

When a Child Dies, Responsibility Does Not Belong to One Person

The death of a 12-year-old from a firecracker explosion is not a simple accident. It is a collective failure.

Parents carry the first responsibility. Children do not understand the full danger of explosives. Supervision matters, especially during holidays when risks are obvious and predictable. Letting children roam late at night with fireworks is not harmless freedom. It is exposure to danger.

But parents are not alone in this. Local governments are responsible for enforcement. Firecracker bans and safety reminders mean little if illegal and powerful fireworks remain easy to find on sidewalks and street corners. Visibility without action saves no lives.

Vendors also bear accountability. Selling dangerous fireworks, especially to minors, is not livelihood. It is negligence with deadly consequences. Profit cannot come before safety.

When a child dies, pointing fingers at only one group is convenient, but wrong. Protection of children requires vigilance at home, enforcement on the streets, and responsibility in commerce. If any link fails, tragedy follows.

 Image from MSWD