Around 108 boxes and pieces of prohibited firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices were confiscated by the local government of Malabon and the Malabon City Police Station (Malabon CPS) during intensified operations in various parts of the city as part of ensuring a safe and orderly New Year celebration.

The operations were carried out by the Malabon CPS under the leadership of Col. Allan Umipig, following the directive of Mayor Jeannie Sandoval to strictly enforce City Ordinance No. 31-2020, which imposes a total ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, use, and ignition of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices within the territorial jurisdiction of the city.

According to the Malabon CPS, the confiscated items as of 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, included 58 pieces of large Five Star firecrackers, 24 pieces of kwitis, 11 pieces of boga or improvised cannons, 10 boxes of pop-pop and piccolo, two pieces of Kingkong, two pieces of Atomic Bomb firecrackers, and one piece of Kabasi.

These items were seized during the conduct of Oplan Galugad and Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) by Malabon CPS Sub-Stations 1 to 7 on Tuesday, Dec. 30, in several barangays, including Catmon, San Agustin, Potrero, Panghulo, Longos, and Hulong Duhat.

“Maigting po nating ipinapatupad ang ating ordinansa na nagbabawal sa paggamit, pagtitinda, at paggawa ng mga paputok dito sa ating lungsod. Lalo na ngayong panahon ng pagdiriwang ng Bagong Taon kung saan maraming nagiging insidente ng naputukan at nasasaktan (We are strictly enforcing our ordinance that prohibits the use, sale, and manufacture of firecrackers in our city, especially during the New Year celebrations when incidents of injuries from firecrackers are common),” Sandoval said.

“Kasabay ng ating patuloy na pagpapaalala sa ating mga kababayan ay ang ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa kapulisan upang mapabuti ang mga operasyon at makumpiska ang mga ipinagbabawal na paputok para sa mas maayos na selebrasyon sa Malabon (Along with our continued reminders to our residents, we are also coordinating with the police to strengthen operations and confiscate prohibited firecrackers for a safer and more orderly New Year celebration in Malabon),” the mayor added.

The confiscated items, estimated to be worth P2,140, were turned over to the Malabon Station Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (SECU).

Authorities said that they are now conducting follow-up operations to identify and apprehend individuals who violated Ordinance No. 31-2020.

In addition, the local government also reiterated the strict enforcement of Malabon City Ordinance No. 11-2015, which aims to protect minors from the dangers of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Under the ordinance, the sale, distribution, possession, and use of firecrackers by minors are strictly prohibited. Violators may face penalties of up to P3,000 for voluntary payment, P5,000 for contested violations, and imprisonment for up to 30 days.

It also advised residents to view fireworks displays only from a safe distance and at authorized venues such as People’s Park, Barangay Catmon, and Plaza Diwa, Barangay Tugatog, pursuant to Malabon City Resolution No. 187-2017.

The public is encouraged to remain vigilant, familiarize themselves with emergency hotline numbers, and immediately report any incidents or concerns through the following channels:

8921-6009 / 8921-6029 / 0942-372-9891 / 0919-062-5588

0917-889-8657 / 0917-689-8657

The local government added that firecracker-related incidents may also be reported through the Malabon All Hazards One Network Alert 24/7 application.

City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete also called on the public to report individuals who violate the laws.

“Sa panahong ngayon, pinapaalalahanan natin ang ating mga kababayan na makiisa at sumunod sa mga batas upang mas maging masaya at maganda ang pagdiriwang ng pagpasok ng taong 2026 (At this time, we remind our residents to cooperate and follow the laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration as we welcome the year 2026),” Rosete said.

“Naririto lamang po ang pamahalaang lungsod at ang kapulisan, nakahanda upang rumesponde at tumulong. Kung mayroon po kayong nakitang mga taong lumalabag sa ating mga batas, agad itong ipaalam sa atin para ating matugunan agad (The city government and the police are on standby, ready to respond and assist. If you see anyone violating our laws, please report it to us immediately so we can take prompt action),” he added.