Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., and Director of the PNP Civil Security Group Major Gen. Benjamin H. Silo Jr. personally inspected fireworks stalls in Barangay Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan on Friday, Dec. 29, two days before the New Year's Eve celebration.
In the bustling hub known for its fireworks industry, Acorda ordered strict compliance with PNP permits and laws governing firecracker sales, emphasizing the paramount importance of preventing injuries or fatalities during the New Year festivities.
“Our focus is on safety,” the PNP chief stressed.
With Fernando, Acorda, and Silo were Police Regional Office 3 Police Director Brig. Gen. Jose S. Hidalgo Jr., Col. Relly B. Arnedo, Bulacan police director, Bocaue Local Government Unit (LGU) officials, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel, and other government agencies.
Fernando warned the public against using illegal fireworks as these could lead to serious injuries.
He said that every year, hundreds of fireworks users are severely injured, with some of them dying from their injuries, during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Fernando said the victims of firecracker injuries and their families should have learned their lesson by now.
Meanwhile, PRO3 Director Hidalgo released the list of the 234 community firecracker zones which were regionally divided as follows: Aurora -15; Bataan-3; Bulacan-61; Nueva Ecija-28; Pampanga-24; Tarlac-63; Zambales-40; and 113 fireworks display zones divided as follows: Aurora-2; Bataan-4; Bulacan-29; Nueva Ecija-28; Pampanga-11; Tarlac-10; Zambales-27; and Angeles City-2.
“We once again appeal to the public to refrain from using illegal fireworks to prevent any damage. Instead of fireworks, we can welcome the New Year with a different kind of celebration,” Hidalgo said.