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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP orders final sweep vs illegal firecrackers as New Year revelry nears

PNP orders final sweep vs illegal firecrackers as New Year revelry nears

Published Dec 30, 2025 04:01 pm
The Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO) destroys thousands of abandoned and voluntarily surrendered firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices at Camp General Alejo S. Santos in Malolos, Bulacan on Dec. 29, 2025 as part of its intensified campaign to protect communities from firecracker-related injuries ahead of the New Year revelry. (PHoto: Bulacan PPO)
The Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO) destroys thousands of abandoned and voluntarily surrendered firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices at Camp General Alejo S. Santos in Malolos, Bulacan on Dec. 29, 2025 as part of its intensified campaign to protect communities from firecracker-related injuries ahead of the New Year revelry. (PHoto: Bulacan PPO)
With the New Year’s revelry just two days away, the Philippine National Police (PNP) directed police forces nationwide on Tuesday, Dec. 30, to conduct a final sweep of prohibited pyrotechnic materials to prevent cracker-related accidents and injuries.
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting PNP chief, said the operations will be carried out on the ground by municipal and city police units, as well as online through the PNP-Anti-Cyber Crime Group.
“I already directed all chiefs of police to conduct aggressive operations against illegal firecrackers in their respective areas of responsibility. The goal is clear: to prevent their proliferation as part of our safety measures for the New Year celebration,” he said.
According to the top cop, manufacturers and sellers of prohibited firecrackers are expected to aggressively sell their products during this crucial period.
The crackdown comes amid reports that at least 140 injuries caused by firecracker blasts have already been recorded by the Department of Health (DOH).
Earlier, two people died in Dagupan City due to a factory explosion while a 12-year-old boy in Tondo also lost his life in a firecracker accident.
Nartatez instructed police commanders to intercept bulk deliveries and the movement of illegal firecrackers across the country.
He said Divisoria will be a key area in the intensified sweep as reports circulated that vendors are openly selling illegal firecrackers there.
He said sellers should be denied the opportunity to sell their illegal products as they are a threat to public safety.
“My instruction is to make sure that those who defy the existing laws by continuously selling illegal firecrackers will face the full force of the law to teach them a lesson. We will not allow them to make money at the expense of public safety,” the top cop stressed.
Meanwhile, Nartatez also urged the public to seek safer alternatives for New Year celebrations.
He called on citizens to help report those selling illegal firecrackers to ensure a safe holiday for their children and families.

Related Tags

PNP illegal firecrackers Divisoria Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
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