The Bicol Police Regional Office seized 2,772 illegal firecrackers during its two-day intensified operation, “Oplan Boga,” conducted from December 29 to 30, 2024.
These confiscated items were destroyed on Tuesday, New Year’s Eve, using a road roller provided by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office.
Among the crushed items were 1,258 makeshift devices called “boga,” an improvised cannon linked to numerous injuries during the holiday season. Other seized firecrackers estimated 1,514 in total included kwiton, kwitis, poppop, baby rocket, and pili cracker.
Bicol Police Regional Director Brigadier General Andre Dizon emphasized their commitment to public safety by intensifying information campaigns and issuing warnings against banned firecrackers.
The police collaborated with the Department of Health (DOH) Bicol office to promote safe alternatives for celebrating the New Year, such as banging pots and pans, blowing party horns, or organizing small musical performances.
DOH Bicol program coordinator on violence and injury prevention Julie Ann Granadino highlighted the severe consequences of firework-related injuries, including amputations, blindness, and infections that can lead to financial and emotional strain.
The regional public health office reported 15 firework-related injuries from December 21 to 30, 2024, based on surveillance from sentinel hospitals across the region as of this writing.
Granadino stressed that the last day of the year until January 1 is a critical period in their monitoring.
Authorities urged the public to prioritize safety and avoid using banned firecrackers to prevent injuries and accidents during the festive season.
