14-Year-Old Injured by Exploding Whistle Bomb in San Policarpo

• A 14-year-old boy was injured by an exploding whistle bomb in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, on January 1. Police said he picked up the discarded firework debris while walking along the seawall.

April Cuesta 9 months ago 2.3 K

SAN POLICARPIO, Eastern Samar — A fourteen-year-old boy was injured after a whistle bomb exploded in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, on January 1, with police identifying the victim as alias “JR”.

According to Police Captain Baby Eli C. Tabale, Acting Chief of Police of San Policarpo Police the incident happened early in the day while the boy was walking along the seawall or boulevard in their community, an area where remnants of New Year firecrackers were still scattered.

JR was reportedly walking along the seawall of the barangay when he noticed a firecracker that appeared to have failed to explode. When he picked it up, unaware of the danger it posed, it suddenly exploded.

The explosion caused multiple blast injuries to the boy’s face and right hand. Residents nearby rushed to help, and JR was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.

Tabale confirmed that the victim is currently in stable condition.

The incident highlights the continuing danger of unexploded firecrackers left behind after celebrations, particularly to children who may mistake them as harmless. Police and local officials are reminding parents to closely watch their children and to warn them against picking up or playing with any firecrackers found on the streets, even after the festivities have ended.

Authorities said preventing similar incidents depends largely on vigilance at home and proper disposal of firecracker debris in the community. ( April Cuesta)