PRO-NIR seizes 23,000 banned firecrackers across Negros

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) seized a total of 23,415 prohibited firecrackers worth PHP 437,000 across the region from Dec. 27, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026.

The confiscated items were presented to concerned government agencies during a New Year’s Day event at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City. The destruction of the illegal firecrackers is scheduled for Jan. 7.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) recorded the highest number of confiscations, with 6,170 firecrackers valued at PHP 267,257.

This was followed by the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office with 5,283 firecrackers worth PHP 59,641, the Bacolod City Police Office with 1,177 valued at PHP 66,330, and Siquijor with two confiscated items.

Most of the seized firecrackers were of unidentified types totaling 9,179, followed by 1,909 atomic triangles, 798 big five stars, 557 boga, 266 kwiton, 260 pop-pop, 158 giant whistle bombs, 55 piccolo, 24 lolo thunder, eight giant bawang, and one Super Yolanda.

As part of its firecracker safety campaign, PRO-NIR monitored 36 local government unit (LGU)–designated firecracker zones and 32 community fireworks display areas, successfully preventing major firecracker-related incidents.

Authorities reported zero deaths and no fire incidents caused by fireworks during the monitoring period.

In a message read by Police Col. Dennis Wenceslao, NOCPPO director, Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, emphasized that the activity demonstrated strong law enforcement and a focus on public safety over unsafe traditions.

He warned that the illegal and irresponsible use of firecrackers poses serious risks to life, property, and public order.

Ibay commended NOCPPO for its proactive enforcement, intensified inspections, and close coordination with local government units, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and other stakeholders.

He also lauded communities for voluntarily surrendering prohibited firecrackers, highlighting the importance of police–community partnerships in protecting children and maintaining peace during the holidays.

“Let this activity serve as a reminder that public safety is a shared responsibility,” Ibay said.

Meanwhile, the provincial police also promoted an injury-free New Year celebration by distributing alternative noisemakers to children.

Through the Iwas Paputok Campaign 2025, the Police Community Affairs Division Unit, led by Police Maj. Wilfredo Benoman Jr. distributed toy trumpets in various localities before New Year’s Day and educated families on the dangers of prohibited firecrackers.

Wenceslao reaffirmed the provincial police’s commitment to peace and security as the province welcomed 2026, noting that police units remain on heightened alert.