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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Deadly Valenzuela blast sparks renewed calls for stricter firecracker safety

Deadly Valenzuela blast sparks renewed calls for stricter firecracker safety

Published Sep 25, 2025 12:01 pm
BFP personnel inspect the blast site in Valenzuela. (Photo from Valenzuela LGU)
BFP personnel inspect the blast site in Valenzuela. (Photo from Valenzuela LGU)
The death of four children in a firecracker-related explosion in Barangay Marulas, Valenzuela City has sparked calls for tighter regulation on the sale and storage of pyrotechnics as the holiday season nears.
The Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) said the blast occurred on Wednesday, Sept. 24, inside a two-story house suspected of illegally storing firecrackers. 
The explosion killed four minors, including two-year old boy, seven-year-old twins, and 13-year-old girl. The blast also injured eight residents and displaced 10 families after flames spread to nearby homes.
Investigators found pyrotechnic powder inside the residence. 
VCPS chief Col. Joseph Talento said storing chemicals used in making fireworks is strictly prohibited in residential areas.
“Sa information that we got from the residents at saka members of the family, ang kanilang deklarasyon ay may nakaimbak doon na kwitis na iniipon na ibebenta. Kaso during the inspection hindi na nakita yung traces kasi kasama na siya sa explosion (Based on information gathered from the residents and family members, their declaration was that kwitis had been stored there for selling. However, during the inspection, no traces were found because these were already consumed in the explosion),” he said.
Authorities are now tracing the whereabouts of the house owner to determine liability. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Mayor Wes Gatchalian confers with a BFP officer at the blast site in Valenzuela on Wednesday, Sept. 24. (Photo from Valenzuela LGU)
Mayor Wes Gatchalian confers with a BFP officer at the blast site in Valenzuela on Wednesday, Sept. 24. (Photo from Valenzuela LGU)
Mayor Wes Gatchalian visits the families injured in the Valenzuela blast at the hospital on Wednesday, Sept. 24. (Photo from Valenzuela LGU)
Mayor Wes Gatchalian visits the families injured in the Valenzuela blast at the hospital on Wednesday, Sept. 24. (Photo from Valenzuela LGU)
Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian personally visited the affected site and the victims’ families. 
He vowed immediate assistance and underscored the need for stricter monitoring of pyrotechnics.
“The city government and emergency response teams are working closely to provide assistance to the affected families. Lahat ng hospital bills po ng pamilya and mga victims to be shouldered by the LGU (The city government and emergency response teams are working closely to provide assistance to the affected families. All hospital expenses of the victims and their families will be shouldered by the LGU),” Gatchalian said. 
Safety advocates have likewise urged the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious stockpiling of hazardous materials.
The tragedy highlights the recurring dangers of firecracker misuse and unsafe storage, an issue that typically intensifies in the months leading to the New Year festivities.

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