PNP confirms Dagupan firecracker factory was operating illegally

• Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered a full investigation into the Christmas Day explosion in Dagupan City that killed two people
• Authorities confirmed that the makeshift facility located in Barangay Bacayao Norte was operating illegally without any permits in a residential area
• The fatalities were identified as a seven-year-old girl who died at the scene and a 21-year-old female student who was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital
• The PNP issued a stern warning to illegal manufacturers, emphasizing that such operations pose a direct

Christmas Day turned into a tragedy for the residents of Barangay Bacayao Norte in Dagupan City after a powerful explosion ripped through a residential area. The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Saturday, December 27, 2025, that the makeshift facility responsible for the blast was operating illegally and without any government permits.

The explosion claimed the lives of two people. A seven-year-old girl died instantly at the site, while a 21-year-old female student from Binalonan was declared dead on arrival at the Region I Medical Center. Police reports indicated that most of the other victims were residents of the same barangay, caught off guard by the sudden blast in their neighborhood.

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In a statement, the PNP revealed that the Dagupan City Police and the Regional Civil Security Unit found no records of the facility. “The makeshift facility was located in a residential area and operated without permits,” the PNP said. Acting PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. expressed his deep sadness, noting that the incident happened at a time when families should have been celebrating together.

Lieutenant General Nartatez has already directed a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible for the illegal operation face the full force of the law. “Police Lieutenant General Nartatez said he ordered a thorough investigation into the Dagupan explosion to establish accountability and ensure that those behind the illegal operation are charged,” the statement continued.

The PNP has long been campaigning against the dangers of backyard firecracker manufacturing, especially as the New Year approaches. Nartatez reminded the public that ignoring these warnings leads to deadly consequences. “Matagal na pong nagbabala ang PNP na ang iligal na paggawa ng paputok ay hindi lang labag sa batas kundi direktang banta sa buhay ng mga tao. Unfortunately, this incident shows the deadly consequences when the law is ignored,” he said.

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This incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with illegal pyrotechnics. The PNP has vowed to continue its crackdown on unauthorized manufacturers and sellers to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in other residential communities across the country.

A similar tragic event occurred in Bulacan where a firecracker factory explosion resulted in two deaths and several injuries. The blast was so powerful that it damaged nearly 40 houses in the surrounding area, highlighting the extreme danger of housing such facilities near residential zones. Authorities at the time emphasized the need for stricter local monitoring to prevent unauthorized fireworks production in crowded neighborhoods.

In another holiday-related injury, a five-year-old boy in Passi City reportedly lost sight in his right eye after an improvised cannon, locally known as "boga," exploded. The incident prompted health officials and police to reiterate the total ban on improvised explosive devices. These cases continue to rise during the festive season, leading to calls for parents to be more vigilant in supervising their children’s activities.

Source: KAMI.com.gh