CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – The Police Regional Office 4-A destroyed firecrackers seized during the holiday season worth P787,252 in this camp on Wednesday, January 3.
POLICE Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, PRO 4-A director, leads the destruction of confiscated illegal firecrackers during the holiday season on Wednesday, January 3, in Camp Vicente Lim, Laguna. (Photo via Danny Estacio)
PRO 4-A Director Police Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas led the destruction ceremony of these firecrackers confiscated from December 16 to January 2 during a relentless campaign.
Lucas said that 7,757 personnel were strategically deployed throughout the region for Christmas and New Year – 2,332 policemen, 74 from augmenting units, and 2,051 from advocacy groups.
He said that proactive measures during the holiday season included meticulous inspections of 607 places of convergence – 188 markets, 88 malls, 44 parks, 91 terminals and ports, and 205 churches.
This extensive effort resulted in the arrest of an individual involved in the illegal discharge of firearms and the apprehension of six persons engaged in the illegal possession, use, and sale of firecrackers, he added.
Two-hundred forty-one victims of fireworks-related incidents were recorded – 240 were discharged and one remains under medical treatment – and no fatalities were reported.
Lucas reassured the public that they remain committed to ensuring public safety and security.
He commended the exemplary effort and collaboration of the police, local government units, advocacy groups, augmenting units, and the community during the holidays.
"As we enter the New Year, I commend the exceptional PNP personnel, local government units, advocacy groups, augmenting units, and the entire community for their unwavering support. Your dedication to public safety has been instrumental in ensuring a tranquil and secure holiday season, particularly during the New Year celebrations," he said.
"Moving forward, PRO-Calabarzon reaffirms its commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region. Embracing the opportunities of 2024, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a safer and more secure environment for all," Lucas added.