Laguna fireworks factory owner faces raps over blast

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal charges are being readied against the owner of an illegal fireworks factory in Calamba City, Laguna, which exploded and caused a fire in a residential area on Friday.

Five persons died and seven others were injured in the fire.

Laguna police director Col. Randy Glenn Silvio said the owners of the houses that caught fire filed the complaints against Judd Nelson Corral.

Corral is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries and damage to property in relation to the Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices.

Probers clarified their earlier report that three other persons are the owners of the house in Barangay Canlubang, which was converted into a fireworks factory.

Police said firecrackers were also found in Corral’s residence.

Meanwhile, in Bulacan, illegally manufactured firecrackers were confiscated in a raid on a factory in Bocaue, also on Friday.

Col. Relly Arnedo, Bulacan police director, said Renato Siongco Jr., who was caught in the act of making firecrackers in Sitio Bihunan, Barangay Biñang 1st, was arrested.

Police recovered illegal firecrackers such as plapla, as well as chemicals and other materials used to make them. – Ed Amoroso, Ramon Efren Lazaro