P5.3M illegal firecrackers seized as provinces logged injuries ahead of new year

PYRO CRACKDOWN Police officials on Monday lead the ceremonial destruction of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic products seized in government operations in Central Luzon. The activity was held at Camp Olivas in the City of San Fernando in Pampanga, the headquarters of the regional police. —PRO3 PHOTO

LUCENA CITY— Police and health authorities in areas outside of Metro Manila have intensified operations against illegal firecrackers ahead of New Year celebrations while health agencies report dozens of fireworks-related injuries.

In Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), police seized P4.8 million worth of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices since Dec. 16, the Police Regional Office 4A (PRO-4A) said Tuesday.

Calabrazon regional director Police Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas reported 238 operations across the five provinces, resulting in the arrest of 12 individuals for violating Republic Act No. 7183, which regulates the manufacture, sale, and use of firecrackers.

Five people are receiving medical treatment for firecracker-related injuries, while one suspect was arrested for illegal discharge of a firearm.

The confiscated items—including piccolo, five-star, whistle bombs, kwitis, sawa, improvised cannons (boga), and other pyrotechnics—were destroyed at the PRO-4A headquarters in Camp Vicente Lim, Canlubang, Laguna, in a media-witnessed ceremony.

Lucas urged the public to avoid illegal firecrackers and use fireworks only in designated areas.

Destroyed

In Central Luzon, police destroyed thousands of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices valued at more than P500,000 at the regional police headquarters in Camp Olivas, San Fernando, Pampanga, on Monday.

The ceremonial destruction, coordinated with the Bureau of Fire Protection, included boga, kwitis, Goodbye Philippines, lolo thunder, plapla, tuna, Judas’ belt, and giant whistle bombs.

Central Luzon regional director Police Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. said the destruction was a preventive measure to protect lives and prevent injuries, urging the public to celebrate safely.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported fireworks-related injuries across several regions.

In Cagayan Valley, 18 injuries were recorded since Dec. 21, a 55-percent decrease from 40 cases last year. Sixteen victims were treated and discharged, while two remained hospitalized. Most injuries were caused by whistle bombs.

Health officials advised residents to use safer alternatives, such as plastic hornpipes (“torotots”), or attend community fireworks displays.

In Bicol, 11 injuries were reported since Dec. 21: two in Albay, two in Camarines Norte, six in Camarines Sur, and one in Catanduanes. Most injuries were caused by kwitis, boga, and piccolo. All patients were treated and discharged.

DOH-Center for Health Development Bicol director Dr. Rosa Maria Balisnomo-Rempillo reminded the public to avoid fireworks to prevent serious injuries.

The Negros Island Region (Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bacolod City, and Siquijor) recorded 37 injuries between Dec. 21 and Dec. 30. Negros Occidental had the highest number with 23 cases, followed by Negros Oriental with 13, Bacolod City with one, and Siquijor with none.

Triangle and boga firecrackers caused the majority of injuries, followed by lantaka, kwitis, whistle bombs, bamboo cannons, five-star, skyrocket, candle bomb, sparkler, improvised devices and one unknown type. —REPORTS FROM DELFIN T. MALLARI JR., VILLAMOR VISAYA JR., MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN, CARLA P. GOMEZ AND JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT