(Group pitches for “Ruzcel law” to address illegal use and disposal of firecrackers and fireworks)

30 December 2025, Quezon City.  The environmental watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition commiserated today with the family, classmates, and friends of Caezar Ruzcel R. Sarmiento of Barangay 226, Tondo, Manila, who died from a firecracker blast last December 28, while his friend, also aged 12, suffered from severe injuries.


A representative of the EcoWaste Coalition, which has been advocating for “Iwas Paputoxic” since 2006, went over to SRB Sanctuary Chapel, where the urn containing his cremated remains is on view, to express sympathy and support to the Sarmiento family for the untimely demise of their beloved Ruzcel.


“We commiserate with the Sarmiento family over Ruzcel’s violent death due to a powerful firecracker blast that took his young life,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.  “Our hearts go out to his parents, siblings, relatives, classmates, teachers, and neighbors who will surely miss his cheerful presence and companionship.”

“We take this opportunity to call on everyone to reflect and learn from what happened to Ruzcel and his friend and refrain from all acts that may result in further firecracker-related injuries and deaths as the New Year’s Eve nears,” she said.  “No child should ever be injured, maimed, or killed due to celebratory firecrackers and fireworks.  No one should ever deprive a child of the potential to grow and develop.  No family should suffer from the consequences of illegal production, sale, use, and disposal of lethal firecrackers and fireworks.”

As shared by Ruzcel’s mother, Maricel, and other relatives with the EcoWaste Coalition, the deadly explosion took place at the corner of A. Lorenzo Street and Abad Santos Avenue, not far from Almeda Street where the Sarmientos reside.

The two boys, out of curiosity, picked up a used firework in a cylinder container, which exploded when one of them lit a piccolo, a prohibited firecracker, whose sparks may have caused the big firecracker to blow up.

As narrated by family members, the strong explosion caused Ruzcel’s arm and leg to be severed. “The impact of the explosion was so powerful that only the garter of his brief survived the blast.”


Ruzcel’s death must not be in vain, the EcoWaste Coalition insisted.

“His death should not be in vain,” Lucero said.  “We trust his death will inspire positive change in the way firecracker laws and regulations are enforced and in the manner by which our people usher in the New Year.”

“We call upon the national and local authorities to step up their respective efforts to protect our children, our homes, and communities from the lethal and toxic harms of firecrackers and fireworks as the New Year countdown approaches,” she said.

“Together, let us pray for the repose of Ruzcel’s soul and honor him by enforcing firecracker bans and restrictions and avoiding adding to the increasing firecracker injury statistics,” she concluded.

This early, the EcoWaste Coalition is urging lawmakers to enact a “Ruzcel law” that will address the improper use and disposal of firecrackers and fireworks, and establish steep fines and penalties to deter violations that could severely harm or fatally injure people, like what happened to Ruzcel and his friend.