The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has officially refuted a news report claiming the first firecracker-related injury of the year in the city involved a minor from Toril. Police investigators determined the child's burn was caused by a different, dangerous activity, not by prohibited pyrotechnics.
Police Investigation Reveals True Cause of Injury
In a press statement dated December 27, 2025, the DCPO responded to a social media post by PTV Davao about an alleged firecracker incident. Police Station 8–Toril, under Station Commander Police Major Sheryl Y. Bautista, conducted a thorough probe. Officers located and personally interviewed the child and the family.
The investigation conclusively found that the minor was not involved with "lantaka" or any firecracker. Instead, the injury occurred when the child was playing with a plastic bottle, poured alcohol into it, and ignited it, resulting in hand burns. These findings were verified on-site and confirmed by the child's parents.
Authorities Call for Responsibility, Reiterate Firecracker Ban
DCPO Acting City Director Police Colonel Mannan Caracas Muarip called for public responsibility, especially on social media. "We call on everyone... to exercise responsibility and ensure proper validation of information before publication," Muarip stated. He emphasized that unverified reports can create unnecessary fear and panic, and that truth must prevail.
Colonel Muarip also issued a stern warning regarding Davao City Ordinance No. 060-02, the city's longstanding firecracker ban enacted in 2002. He stressed the ordinance will be strictly enforced, and violators will be charged to protect public safety, particularly of children.
Contrasting Reports and Historical Context
PTV Davao explained that its initial report was based on information from Dr. Antonio Solar Jr. of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). Dr. Solar had relayed that SPMC catered to a minor's incident noted as its first firecracker-related case for the period. The media outlet stated they had sought comment from DCPO prior to publication but were told information was not yet available.
This clarification is significant given Davao City's record. The city has credited its strict firecracker ban for maintaining zero firecracker-related injuries within its jurisdiction. In 2024, the Department of Health-Davao recorded six such injuries in the wider Davao Region, but none occurred in Davao City, Davao del Sur, or Davao Occidental.
The DCPO reiterated its commitment to transparent, evidence-based policing, assuring the public that all reports are carefully investigated before conclusions are drawn.
