• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR. / THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) conducted a simultaneous destruction of more than P437,000 worth of confiscated firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices across the region yesterday at the grandstand of Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr., Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City.
A total of 23,111 firecrackers were confiscated, with an estimated value of P437,778, “reflecting the results of sustained and coordinated enforcement operations across the region.”
Data showed that Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) had the most seizures, with 16,002 firecrackers valued at P305,022.
This was followed by the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NORPPO) which confiscated 5,870 firecrackers worth P63,216, and the Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO) with 72 firecrackers valued at P280.
Meanwhile, in the highly-urbanized City of Bacolod, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) confiscated 1,101 firecrackers amounting to P69,260, while the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) NIR confiscated 33 firecrackers.
“The confiscated firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials were seized through sustained anti-illegal firecracker operations, targeted inspections, and strategic checkpoints conducted by PRO NIR units, all aimed at preventing injuries, fires, and other hazards associated with the illegal sale and use of prohibited fireworks,” PRO-NIR spokesperson PLt. Col. Joem Malong said in a statement.
The disposal was carried out as part of the intensified campaign to ensure public safety and the strict enforcement of laws and local ordinances regulating the use of fireworks.
BACOLOD CITY
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Police Office disposed of a total of 5,292 assorted illegal firecrackers and 74 improvised cannons, locally known as “boga,” worth P67,393, that were confiscated across the city during the holiday season.
Leading the enforcement efforts was Police Station 8, which recorded the highest recovery at P16,400 in confiscated items.
To ensure the dangerous materials were rendered permanently useless, the assorted pyrotechnics were thoroughly soaked in water to neutralize their explosive chemicals.
The boga units were destroyed through a controlled crushing process using a heavy truck.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team buried the remnants in a designated pit behind the BCPO Firing Range.*
