Piccolo ‘crackers hurt 2 QC boys

MANILA, Philippines – Two boys were hurt in separate firecracker-related incidents during the Christmas celebration in Quezon City, police said Thursday.

Case Investigator Police Officer 3 June Abogado said Freddie Melgar, 13, was playing with firecrackers on Kasiyahan Street in Barangay (village) Batasan Hills when an unidentified neighbor hurled a lit piccolo at him.

Abogado said the firecracker exploded and hit the boy causing burns in parts of the body. Melgar was immediately brought to the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City but was later discharged after his medication.

Meanwhile, 12-year old John Francis Valenzuela, a resident of Kasunduhan Street in Barangay (village) Commonwealth, was also injured after one of his playmates threw a lit piccolo at him.

According to Abogado, Valenzuela tried to shield his face using his hands but the firecracker exploded and hurt him.

He said the victim’s family rushed him to the Quezon City General Hospital for treatment.

Valenzuela was also later discharged from the hospital.