PRO-NIR destroys PHP 437,778 illegal firecrackers

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Authorities in the Negros Island Region simultaneously destroyed 23,111 prohibited firecrackers valued at PHP 437,778 following their confiscation during the recent holiday season.

The seized firecrackers were collected from Dec. 6, 2025, to Jan. 6, 2026, through sustained anti-illegal firecracker operations, including inspections and checkpoints conducted across the region.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office accounted for 16,002 firecrackers worth PHP 305,022.

The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office confiscated 5,870 firecrackers valued at PHP 63,216.

The Bacolod City Police Office seized 1,101 firecrackers amounting to PHP 69,260.

The Siquijor Police Provincial Office recovered 72 firecrackers worth PHP 280, while 33 additional firecrackers were confiscated by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion–Negros Island Region.

For disposal, the firecrackers were soaked in water inside a drum, after which various types of boga were crushed using a fire truck operated by the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The remaining materials were buried and disposed of in accordance with established procedures for handling hazardous materials.

The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region said the operation aimed to prevent injuries, fires, and other hazards associated with the illegal sale and use of prohibited fireworks.

The regional office added that the destruction activity is part of its intensified campaign to ensure public safety and strictly enforce laws and local ordinances regulating fireworks throughout the region.