BANNED firecrackers recovered in Negros Island Region. (Glazyl Masculino)
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) confiscated 23,415 prohibited firecrackers valued at P437,000 in Negros Island from Dec. 27, 2025 to Jan. 1, 2026.
These were presented in Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Barangay Estefania here on New Year’s Day and will be destroyed on Jan. 7.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office confiscated 6,170 firecrackers worth P267,257, followed by Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office with 5,283 firecrackers valued at P59,641, Bacolod City Police Office with 1,177 firecrackers worth P66,330, and Siquijor with only two firecrackers.
In line with firecracker safety, the PRO-NIR monitored 36 local government unit (LGU)-designated firecracker zones and 32 community fireworks display areas, preventing major firecracker-related incidents.
No deaths were recorded from firecracker or pyrotechnics use, with zero fire incidents attributed to fireworks during the period.
In his message read by Police Col. Dennis Wenceslao, Negros Occidental police director, Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, stated that the activity sends a strong message that they are enforcing the law, and that safety will always take precedence over reckless tradition.
“Firecrackers and pyrotechnics, when used irresponsibly or illegally, pose serious risks to life, property, and public order,” Ibay said.
He commended the Negros Occidental police for their proactive enforcement efforts, intensified inspections, and close coordination with LGUs, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and other stakeholders, reflecting their dedication, professionalism, and vigilance.
Ibay recognized the efforts of the communities in the region for turning over prohibited firecrackers to authorities, noting the significance of the partnership between the police and the public in preventing injuries, protecting children, and maintaining peace and order during the holiday season.
“Let this activity serve as a reminder that public safety is a shared responsibility,” Ibay said.