Two people were killed, 6 injured while 14 families were affected after an explosion rocked an alleged illegal firecracker factory in Barangay Partida, Norzagaray, Bulacan on Wednesday morning.
According to the Jerry Sumbillo, head of the Norzagaray Police and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), one of the fatalities was a 15-year-old boy who was attending the wake of his sibling nearby when the explosion happened, as reported by RH Edwin Duque.
While the second victim, identified as Geraldine Mayor resident in Barangay Partida died after losing her hand due to the blast. Authorities said that Mayo was an employee of the illegal firecracker operation.
In an initial investigation the blast occurred inside a residential area that was reportedly being used as a secret firecracker manufacturing site.
The MDRRMO reported that four other individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to various hospitals. Fourteen families from the surrounding area were displaced by the explosion and are now temporarily staying in an evacuation center.
However, in an interview with DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan, Bulacan 6th District Representative Salvador Pleyto confirmed that the factory was indeed illegal and cited a Norzagaray police report stating that at least six people were injured.
"Sabi sa akin ng hepe, anim na ang mga nagkaroon ng injury," he added.
He further stated that he has already coordinated with Norzagaray Mayor Merlyn Germar to tighten monitoring in all barangays.
Germar assured that the local government will provide assistance to all affected families, including food packs and temporary shelter. Pleyto also pledged support to the victims.
“Noong isang taon nag-file ako ng bill ‘yung 6148 tungkol sa amendment na iimporve natin ang 7183. ‘Yung act regulating sale, manufacture and distribution use of firecrackers and other fire devices,” Pleyto said.
“Dapat yung area may bakod pinadadagdagan ko sabi naman ni Cong. Akop nun don sa Komite namin sabi niya masyadong malaki ang hinihingi ko baka masyadong malaki ‘yung space kaya babawasan nila hindi naman napag-usapan na ulit kaya hindi nakarating sa Senado po ito,” he added.
The lawmaker urged that the proposed amendment be referred to the Committee on Rules for further discussion under the Committee on Peace and Order Council, expressing hope that it would soon become law to prevent similar tragedies.
Authorities are now investigating the ownership of the house used as the illegal firecracker factory.
He also instructed mayors across the province to strictly monitor their areas to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
