The confiscated firecrackers (Photo from SPD)
The Southern Police District (SPD) confiscated a total of 17,290 prohibited firecrackers worth ₱325,589 during its “Iwas Paputok” campaign conducted from Dec. 16 to 30.
Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo, SPD director, said the confiscations resulted from an intensified campaign against prohibited firecrackers carried out by police stations across Southern Metro Manila.
Arceo said the seized items included various illegal and hazardous firecrackers such as piccolo, aatusi, pop-pop, five star, judas belt, kwiton (kabasi), giant whistle bombs, atomic bomb variants, mother rockets (boga), and other prohibited pyrotechnics that pose serious risks to public safety, particularly to children and residents in densely populated communities.
He added that notable confiscations were recorded in the cities of Muntinlupa and Parañaque during the peak days leading up to New Year’s Eve, reflecting intensified enforcement and proactive policing efforts on the ground.
According to Arceo, all seized firecrackers were properly documented, inventoried, and secured in accordance with established safety protocols and existing laws.
“Every illegal firework taken off our streets saves lives and prevents possible injuries. These results demonstrate that disciplined enforcement and community cooperation make our celebrations safer for everyone,” Arceo said.
He also urged the public to comply with existing laws and local ordinances and to celebrate the holidays responsibly.
The SPD reaffirmed its commitment to minimizing firecracker-related injuries, fires, and public disturbances throughout the holiday season.