PNP seizes over 593K illegal firecrackers, arrests 73 in crackdown

Police across Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Bicol, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Eastern Visayas seized over 593,000 illegal firecrackers worth P3.9 million and arrested 73 individuals as part of ongoing crackdowns from December 16 to New Year's Day.

The confiscated items included more than 7,000 improvised cannons called 'bogas,' which have caused around 80 injuries, mostly affecting minors, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In Northern Mindanao, police observed a relatively peaceful New Year’s celebration with only three firecracker-related incidents and two cases of illegal firearm discharge reported from Dec. 23 to Dec. 31.

As of Wednesday morning, PNP reported a total of 297 firecracker-related injuries and no untoward incidents during the New Year celebrations; PHP150,867 worth of illegal firecrackers were seized in December with some destroyed by police stations.

The measures aim to reduce risks posed by illegal fireworks; reported cases have significantly decreased in Calabarzon from 273 last year to just 15 this year.

The Philippine National Police urged citizens to continue supporting these initiatives and reporting any information related to illegal firecracker activities, while the Department of Health emphasized the importance of a safe, responsible, and environment-friendly celebration.