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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Central Luzon police step up drive vs illegal firecrackers ahead of Christmas season

Central Luzon police step up drive vs illegal firecrackers ahead of Christmas season

Published Nov 11, 2025 06:44 pm
Authorities seized three paint buckets and one sack containing potassium perchlorate; seven plastic bags with firecracker fuses; several containers of colored firecracker powder (green, white, and pink); nine sacks containing additional firecracker powder; 66 unfinished “Kwitis” and 68 “Whistle Bombs”; and tools such as a hammer, cutter, weighing scale, and tape dispensers after responding to an anonymous tip about alleged illegal firecracker production in Barangay Lapnit, San Ildefonso, Bulacan, on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. (Photos from PRO3)
Authorities seized three paint buckets and one sack containing potassium perchlorate; seven plastic bags with firecracker fuses; several containers of colored firecracker powder (green, white, and pink); nine sacks containing additional firecracker powder; 66 unfinished “Kwitis” and 68 “Whistle Bombs”; and tools such as a hammer, cutter, weighing scale, and tape dispensers after responding to an anonymous tip about alleged illegal firecracker production in Barangay Lapnit, San Ildefonso, Bulacan, on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. (Photos from PRO3)

The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has intensified its campaign against illegal firecrackers in Central Luzon through a series of successful operations in Bulacan, demonstrating the regions proactive stance on public safety even before the start of the Yuletide season. 

On Monday, Nov. 10, authorities confiscated several materials used in the manufacture of illegal firecrackers in a vacant lot near a creek in Barangay Lapnit, San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

At around 5:20 p.m., personnel of the San Ildefonso Municipal Police responded to an anonymous tip regarding alleged illegal firecracker production in the area. Upon verification, police operatives found various chemicals and paraphernalia.

Seized were three paint buckets and one sack containing potassium perchlorate, seven plastic bags with firecracker fuses, several containers of colored firecracker powder (green, white, and pink), nine sacks containing additional firecracker powder, 66 unfinished “Kwitis,” and 68 “Whistle Bombs.” Also confiscated were tools such as a hammer, cutter, weighing scale, and tape dispensers.

Meanwhile, Bulacan police launched two separate operations last month against illegal firecracker manufacturers in Sta. Maria and Angat, Bulacan.

In Sta. Maria, three suspects were arrested, and three boxes of unfinished “Kwitis” worth P8,000, along with a drill used for manufacturing, were seized. In Angat, another unlicensed firecracker facility was discovered and shut down. More illegal firecrackers were confiscated.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. commended the Bulacan police for their continued vigilance, stressing that these operations reflect the police force's commitment to preventing firecracker-related injuries and ensuring community safety during the holiday season.

The Central Luzon police regional director reaffirmed that PRO3 will continue to intensify law enforcement and public awareness efforts to ensure a safe, peaceful, and injury-free celebration across Central Luzon this Christmas season.

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