ICPO destroys seized illegal firecrackers

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office destroyed seized illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices during a simultaneous disposal activity at the ICPO grounds at Camp Achilles Plagata on General Luna Street in Iloilo City.

Col. Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, led the destruction of 2,066 assorted illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, including kamara, whistle bombs and kwitis, as well as 102 improvised cannons, locally known as boga.

Police said the items were confiscated during ICPO’s intensified law enforcement operations and public safety campaigns.

The drive against illegal firecrackers was conducted in line with the implementation of Ligtas Paskuhan 2025, a nationwide holiday safety campaign.

Legada said the results of the campaign reflect growing public awareness of safety during celebrations.

“This generally safe and orderly holiday season shows that our constituents now realize that enjoying celebrations does not require the use of illegal firecrackers that may cause harm or lead to accidents,” Legada said.

“We hope that in the years to come, fewer—or ideally no—firecracker-related incidents will be recorded,” he added.

The activity was attended by Barangay Capt. Ma. Rosario Sabando of Barangay San Agustin in City Proper, key ICPO officers, and Police Lt. Col. Jomero Sentinta, chief of the Regional Civil Security Unit 6.

The disposal of the confiscated items was conducted in close coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Iloilo City Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit, and the Regional Civil Security Unit 6 to ensure safe and proper destruction procedures.