Police alarmed by minors’ firecracker fight on video

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office has ordered an immediate investigation and appropriate action against several minors who were caught on video trading firecracker shots on Dec. 27.

The incident was recorded by a Grab driver.

The video showed two groups of minors firing “magic shots” at each other, with one group positioned at the Iloilo River Esplanade in Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao district, and the other on the opposite side in Barangay Desamparados, Jaro district.

Police said personnel from Iloilo City Police Station 10 responded after the incident was reported, but the minors quickly scattered in different directions.

Col. Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, directed Iloilo City police stations 9 and 10 to identify those involved, coordinate with barangay officials and parents, and strictly enforce laws and ordinances regulating the use of firecrackers, particularly those involving minors.

Legada said such acts pose serious danger and could result in injuries or loss of life.

“This is not a game. Firecrackers can seriously injure or kill, especially when used recklessly by minors,” Legada said.

He said police will enforce the law while also focusing on prevention, intervention, and accountability.

“Our priority is to prevent harm and protect our children. Parents and guardians will also be held accountable if negligence is established,” he added.

Capt. Val Cambel, Iloilo City Police Station 10 commander, said he had already called the attention of the parents of the children involved.

Cambel said the six minors from Barangay Bakhaw are ages 13–17.

“The parents assured us that they would look after their kids,” he said.

Cambel said the minors apparently bought the “magic shots” from a seller based in Barangay Desamparados.

He said the seller could face charges once caught for selling illegal firecrackers in an unauthorized area.

Meanwhile, Maj. Eduardo Siacon Jr., Iloilo City Police Station 9 chief, also called in the parents and the seven children, ages 8–15, who were involved in the incident.

Aside from local police, a social welfare worker and barangay officials were present as the minors and their parents were lectured on the dangers of what they did.

Police said the group would be called again on Jan. 2, 2026, for appropriate intervention.

Legada also instructed patrol units to intensify visibility, monitoring, and patrols in residential areas as part of the Ligtas Paskuhan campaign, particularly in communities where similar incidents have been reported.

The Iloilo City Police Office urged the public to refrain from sharing videos that may encourage copycat behavior and instead report incidents immediately to the nearest police station, through 911, or via ICPO hotlines 0908-377-0194 and 335-0299.

The ICPO reiterated its warning that the use of illegal firecrackers and allowing minors to engage in dangerous acts may result in criminal and administrative liabilities under existing laws and local ordinances.