A volunteer firetruck responding to a massive fire in Happy Land, Barangay 105, Tondo, Manila, was attacked by an unidentified individual late Saturday night, September 13, prompting outrage from fire volunteers and calls for better protection of first responders.
The vehicle’s side window was shattered after it was struck by a rock while en route to the scene of the blaze.
The incident occurred as firefighters battled a rapidly spreading blaze that tore through a densely populated residential area, displacing over 1,000 residents.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire broke out at around 8:27 p.m. on September 13 at Building 7 of the Helping Compound along Road 10.
The fire reached Task Force Bravo at 10:53 p.m. and was declared under control at 2:46 a.m. on September 14
Following the attack on the firetruck, a volunteer from the team took to social media to vent their frustration, "Brgy 105 happy land tondo kayo na nerespondihan kayo pa ang mamamato at mang ice pick (Barangay 105 Happy Land, Tondo, we’re the ones responding to your calls, yet you’re the ones who throw stones and threaten us with ice picks)."
The post, which has since circulated widely online, reflects a growing concern among volunteer fire brigades regarding safety and respect from the communities they serve.
Authorities are now investigating the stoning and are working to identify the perpetrator.