Firecracker, homemade gun injure 2 in Negros Occidental

By Glazyl M. Jopson

A 13-year-old boy was injured after igniting a firecracker known as a “grenade” at a relocation site in Barangay Butuan, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Police said the victim placed the firecracker inside a can while holding it away from his body.

However, when it exploded, fragments struck the boy’s head, causing injuries.

He was brought by relatives to Don Salvador Benedicto Memorial District Hospital and is now in stable condition, according to authorities.

Police reiterated their appeal to the public to use safer alternatives for noise-making during New Year celebrations to avoid firecracker-related injuries.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a 38-year-old man was also injured Sunday after a homemade firearm accidentally discharged in Barangay Amontay, Binalbagan.

The man reportedly found the improvised gun in a sugarcane field near his home.

While attempting to dismantle it, the firearm went off, hitting his left calf.

Barangay officials brought the victim to a local infirmary for initial treatment.

He was later transferred to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, where he remains in stable condition and is scheduled for surgery, police said.