PHP 88,895 Worth of Illegal Firecrackers Destroyed

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) disposed of PHP 88,895 worth of illegal firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices, and improvised cannons, locally known as “boga,” in a ceremonial event at its headquarters last week.

A total of 10,595 pieces of confiscated firecrackers were destroyed, marking the culmination of 21 police operations conducted from Dec. 16, 2024, to Jan. 3, 2025.

During the disposal ceremony, a fire truck was used to flatten the confiscated “boga,” ensuring the safe destruction of the hazardous devices.

The initiative demonstrated a significant effort to prioritize public safety and combat illegal firecracker activities in the province.

Police Col. Rainero de Chavez, Nocppo director, emphasized the dedication of police officers and community leaders in protecting residents from the dangers posed by illegal firecrackers. He reaffirmed the provincial police force’s commitment to sustaining its campaign against these unlawful and hazardous materials.

The event was witnessed by Mark Andrew Siervo, a representative from the Department of Health (DOH), Fire Supt. Menandro Bastian, provincial fire marshal, and personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD).

Meanwhile, the DOH reported a total of 124 firework-related injuries in the Negros Island Region (NIR) as of Jan. 5.

Of these, 86 injuries were recorded in Negros Occidental, 20 in Bacolod City, 16 in Negros Oriental, and two in Siquijor. The majority of cases involved 80 minors.