The Manila Police District on Tuesday said it is determining whether criminal charges will be filed in connection with the death of a minor in Tondo, Manila due to a recent firecracker blast.
MPD spokesperson Police Major Philipp Ines confirmed that police have already identified several persons of interest who allegedly left the firecracker in the area.
“Nakikipag-coordinate na tayo dito. Meron na tayong mga person of interest dito. At titignan natin doon sa process ng pag-iimbestiga kung meron silang magiging criminal liability dito,” Ines told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview.
(We are coordinating. We already have persons of interest here. And we will check during the investigation process if they will have criminal liability here.)
“Sa ngayon, ongoing pa ‘yung ating pag-iimbestiga d’yan at hinihintay nga natin para magbigay ng kanilang salaysay itong mga taong nabanggit,” he added.
(For now, our investigation is ongoing and we are waiting for these people mentioned to give their statements.)
The alleged firecracker explosion occurred on the evening of December 28 near the corner of Lorenzo Street and Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Tondo.
Around 8:23 p.m., two 12-year-old boys were reportedly walking in the area when they found suspected firecrackers on the pavement.
Initial investigation revealed that one of the children allegedly ignited a firecracker using a disposable lighter, which resulted in an explosion.
One of the victims sustained severe injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
The other victim suffered injuries and was immediately transported to Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center where he is currently confined and undergoing medical treatment.
Several items including a disposable lighter and firecracker debris were recovered at the scene. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
