BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) destroyed illegal firecrackers worth approximately P30,750 in a ceremonial disposal held at the BCPO parade ground on January 7.
A total of 3,972 assorted firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, including 135 boga (improvised cannons), were confiscated by all 10 police stations during BCPO’s “Oplan Iwas Paputok” campaign, which ran from December 16, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
The seized items were being sold outside the city’s designated firecracker zone, which the local government had limited to the lot behind the Pope John Paul II Tower at the Reclamation Area.
Lieutenant Colonel Lester Leada, BCPO’s deputy director for operations, emphasized the importance of the disposal in promoting safety and public health.
“Today we take a crucial step towards promoting a safer, healthier, and more peaceful community. By properly disposing [of] these items, we are not just removing a potential hazard but also sending a strong message about our commitment to responsible practices and sustainable living,” Leada said during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, BCPO recorded 25 fireworks-related injuries as of January 6. These injuries were caused by various firecrackers, including cradle bombs, five-star firecrackers, bilong-bilong, whistle bombs, kamaras, picolos, triangles, kwetes, and pla-plas./PN
