The Southern Police District (SPD) was able to confiscate nearly P700,000 worth of illegal firecrackers in six cities and one municipality under its jurisdiction.
Data showed that from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, a total of 45,099 pieces of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices with a value of P669,827 were seized by personnel from police stations in Muntinlupa, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Paranaque, Las Pinas and Pasay.
The Muntinlupa Police presenting seized firecrackers and open pipes and mufflers (Photo from the Muntinlupa PIO)
Among those seized were 33,807 Five Star, 1,668 Piccolo, 135 “boga,” 33 Judas Belt, 34 Super Lolo, 78 Whistle Bomb, and 546 Pla-pla.
The Muntinlupa police got the biggest haul among the seven SPD units, confiscating P444,900 worth of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices or 66.4 percent of the total haul.
The use of firecrackers is prohibited in Muntinlupa under an ordinance. Mayor Ruffy Biazon ordered the police and city offices to intensify the operations against the sale and use of these items.
In addition, the SPD reported that it had recorded 46 firecracker-related injuries during the New Year’s Eve celebration within its area of responsibility.
Among those injured were a person who required special care and was promptly transported to the Philippine General Hospital; five who were admitted to the Las Piñas General Hospital, one to the Premier Hospital, two to Ospital ng Parañaque II, eight to Ospital ng Parañaque I, 27 to Pasay City General Hospital and two to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa.
The injuries were caused by Five Star, Kwitis, Judas Belt, Small Whistle Bomb, Goodbye Philippines, Fountain, Whistle Bomb, Bawang, Kingkong, Bin Laden, and Trompillo.
“We express gratitude to the medical teams and healthcare facilities that promptly attended to the injured individuals. As we welcome the new year, let us prioritize safety and responsible celebration to ensure a joyful and harm-free environment for all,” said SPD Officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Mark Pespes.