Police Regional Office Calabarzon Director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas led the destruction of confiscated illegal firecrackers during a media presentation on Tuesday.
Lucas said the campaign against the sale, manufacture, and distribution of illegal firecrackers intensified ahead of the New Year. From Dec. 16 to date, police conducted 238 operations, arrested 12 suspects, and seized illegal firecrackers worth P4.8 million.
Authorities also recorded five firecracker-related injuries currently under medical treatment, along with one incident involving the illegal discharge of a firearm. The suspect in the firearm case is facing charges under Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Members of the media witnessed the destruction of confiscated items, including piccolo, five-star, whistle bombs, kwitis, sawa, assorted pyrotechnics, and improvised cannons.
Some items were disposed of through controlled detonation by the Regional Explosive and Canine Unit.
Lucas thanked police units and community partners for their cooperation and urged the public to refrain from buying illegal firecrackers and to report violators to ensure a safe and orderly celebration.
