A compact three-wheeled firefighting vehicle affectionately dubbed “Cutie Bombelo” has gone viral across social media after footage demonstrated its capability to deliver and spray water during emergencies.
Tested in Alcantara, Cebu, the mini firetruck captured attention for its diminutive size compared to conventional heavy-duty engines.
Built on platforms like the Bajaj RE and Racal three-wheelers—typically featuring a 236.22cc engine and a width of about 1.3 meters—these customized units are equipped with water tanks, pumps, hoses, and extinguishers.
Their primary advantage lies in maneuverability.
In densely populated neighborhoods with narrow alleys, parked cars, or heavy traffic where large trucks cannot pass, these compact units serve as vital initial response vehicles to contain minor fires while heavier equipment is en route.
Cagayan de Oro Fire District Superintendent Reynante Lorono expressed support for deploying small fire trikes and motorcycle-based units across barangays.
He noted that while they significantly speed up initial response times, operators must undergo proper firefighting training and ensure equipment safety.
Amid their online popularity, however, the mini firetrucks became entangled in misinformation.
Viral social media posts falsely claimed that the fire trikes cost ₱10 million each, linking them out of context to Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla’s recent announcement regarding a planned government-to-government agreement with South Korea.
Secretary Remulla clarified that the administration is set to procure 1,500 standard-sized fire trucks at ₱10 million per unit—down from the previous ₱16-million price tag—saving the government ₱9 billion over three years.
Fact-checkers noted that the viral fire trikes were independently acquired months prior and are entirely separate from the upcoming national procurement deal, serving as practical localized solutions for tight-access communities.