Kin of boy killed in firecracker blast to sue

CEBU, Philippines —  The family of the 10-year-old boy, who tragically died on New Year’s Day in a firecracker explosion, will be pursuing a case against the man who purchased the firecracker.

Lt. Col. Epraem Paguyod, Talisay City Police Station chief, confirmed that the family of the boy, as well as of the other children injured in the incident will be filing a case against the suspect, identified only as alias Niño.

Paguyod also confirmed that Niño is currently being held at the city’s custodial facility in Talisay City Hall.

Last Thursday, November 2, Niño voluntarily surrendered to officials of Barangay Candulawan, who later escorted him to the police station for proper investigation.

According to the investigation, Niño had previously been seen lighting several “Goodbye Philippines” firecrackers during a New Year’s celebration in Barangay Candulawan.

Paguyod disclosed that as of yesterday, the case against the 27-year-old suspect has not been filed yet.

“Consolidating pa iba documents, since di pa man pasok sa reglementary period,” said Paguyod.

As reported, Niño will be facing a case of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and multiple serious physical injury.

He will also face charges for violations of Executive Order 28 and Republic Act 7183, or the regulation of the use and sale of pyrotechnics and firecrackers.

Niño, originally from Lapu-Lapu City but now residing in Talisay, had two firecrackers that failed to ignite during the initial use.

According to reports, after the two "Goodbye Philippines" firecrackers Niño obtained failed to explode, several children collected the leftover powder.

They covered it with stones and broken tiles and attempted to ignite it by striking it with a large rock.

Jermie Cagang, the 10-year-old boy who died, along with others who were watching nearby, stood directly in front of the setup.

When the improvised setup exploded, shards of tiles and stone debris struck Jermie’s face and chest, resulting in his death and the injury of three other children.

Other victims were able to survive but they had severe injuries in their eyes and faces.

When asked about the progress of the case, Paguyod said that they are working to identify the supplier of the illegal firecrackers.

Niño reportedly acquired the firecrackers outside Talisay City but was unable to provide the name of the person who sold them.

“As of now, wala pa identity ng supplier, since according to the suspect di niya kilala anu name ng nag benta,” he said.

Once authorities are able to determine the identity of the supplier and establish where Niño bought the firecrackers, they intend to file charges directly against those responsible for the illegal sale.

The Freeman tried to get Niño's side of the story, but he declined to comment on the matter.

Goodbye Philippines is one of the 28 firecrackers that the Philippine National Police (PNP) banned since they were identified as dangerous for use.

These types of fireworks, typically containing over 0.2 grams of explosive material and featuring fuses that either burn too quickly or too slowly, are prohibited.

Fireworks like Goodbye Philippines, Super Yolanda and others made with hazardous combinations of phosphorus, sulfur, and chlorates are banned due to the threat to public safety. (CEBU NEWS)