CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – A powerful explosion from an illegal firecracker—allegedly purchased online—shattered windows on nine Baliwag Transit buses parked at a terminal and damaged nearby residential and commercial properties in Barangay Santiago on January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day). The blast occurred around 11:30 p.m. on December 31, 2025, just minutes before midnight, in a vacant lot outside a cosmetic company.
No injuries were reported, but the incident highlighted dangers of unregulated online sales and potent banned fireworks.
Investigation and Arrests
Malolos police quickly identified five suspects through CCTV footage and witness accounts. Four were arrested shortly after; one remains at large. The group reportedly ignited the device—described as sounding like a “whistle bomb”—in the lot, unaware of its destructive power.
The firecracker, delivered unlabeled and in bubble wrap, remains unidentified but confirmed illegal. Baliwag Transit and affected homeowners plan to file charges, with damage estimates pending.
This blast—amid heightened enforcement against illegal pyrotechnics—underscores risks of online purchases bypassing regulations.
Incident Snapshot:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date/Time | Dec 31, 2025 (~11:30 p.m.) |
| Location | Barangay Santiago, City of Malolos, Bulacan |
| Damage | 9 buses (shattered glass); nearby houses/properties |
| Suspects | 5 identified; 4 arrested |
| Source | Illegal firecracker bought online |