A SCREENSHOT from the viral video of two groups of children playing a game using firecrackers. (Jenwell Alegado)
ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) is investigating an incident where boys played a game using firecrackers on a dike separating the districts of Jaro and Mandurriao over the weekend.
The incident’s video garnered online attention, with Ilonggo netizens comparing it to Harry Potter’s Battle of Hogwarts.
While people poked fun at the Harry Potter reference online, law enforcers were not amused.
"This is not a game. Firecrackers can seriously injure or kill, especially when used recklessly by minors," said ICPO Director Police Col. Kim Legada.
Legada said that they are not merely enforcing the law but also want to prevent firecracker injuries.
“Our priority is to prevent harm and protect our children,” Legada said.
Legada directed station commanders in Jaro and Mandurriao to coordinate with barangay officials and parents of minors identified in the video.
“Parents and guardians will also be held accountable if negligence is established,” Legada added.