FIRECRACKER composite image from Inquirer file photos
MANILA, Philippines — The total estimated value of illegal firecrackers seized by the Philippine National Police (PNP) rose to P3.9 million on New Year’s Day.
According to PNP data, around 593,094 pieces of firecrackers were confiscated by police in 1,360 cases as part of its efforts to curb illegal possession, use, and sale of the devices, spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo told reporters Wednesday.
Fajardo did not provide a breakdown of the specific firecrackers seized.
She did, however, report that the police arrested 73 individuals in its anti-illegal firecracker drive.
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Following is a breakdown of the number of arrests made by location:
- Calabarzon (Region 4A): 37
- Bicol (Region 5): 16
- Metro Manila (National Capital Region): 10
- Central Luzon (Region 3): 5
- Eastern Visayas (Region 8): 4
- Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9): 1
Police records also tallied 297 injuries due to firecrackers, while the Department of Health logged 340 as of Wednesday morning, Jan. 1.
Fajardo said some incidents were yet to be referred to the police as they had been directly reported to hospitals.
Further, the PNP received no reports of untoward incidents during the New Year celebrations, noting that the festivities were “generally peaceful.”
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The data was part of the PNP’s Ligtas Paskuhan (Safe Christmas) monitoring initiative.
The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office under the Civil Security Group oversees the regulation of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices under Republic Act No. 7183.