The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to intensify its nationwide campaign against illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices as part of its efforts to ensure a safe and injury-free holiday season for the public.
On December 27, 2025, the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Dindo R. Reyes, Regional Director, successfully conducted the ceremonial destruction of 10,906 pieces of confiscated illegal firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices, and improvised cannons or “boga.” These items were seized during sustained police operations in various towns across the region.
Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting Chief, PNP, lauded PRO1 for its firm and consistent enforcement of the law, stating: “Malinaw ang mensahe natin—walang lugar ang iligal at mapanganib na paputok sa ating mga komunidad. We commend the personnel of PRO1 for their relentless efforts to protect the public, lalo na ngayong holiday season.”
The ceremonial destruction aimed to reduce firework-related injuries (FWRI), remind vendors and the public of the ban on dangerous firecrackers, and demonstrate the PNP’s serious campaign against the use of “boga,” which has been a common cause of accidents, particularly among children.
To ensure safety during the activity, the confiscated items were first soaked in water provided by the Bureau of Fire Protection prior to their formal destruction, rendering them unusable and preventing accidental explosions.
These efforts are complemented by sustained law enforcement operations on the ground. In Dagupan City, police units successfully conducted two separate operations against violators of Republic Act No. 7183, also known as the law regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
At around 7:50 PM on December 27, 2025, a joint entrapment operation by Police Station 6 and the Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) led to the arrest of a suspect in Barangay Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City, who was caught selling illegal firecrackers through an online transaction paid via GCash. Various prohibited firecrackers, including high-powered “dark bombs” and a dynamite-type firecracker, were confiscated.
Later that same day, at about 8:20 PM, a buy-bust operation conducted by the CIU and Police Station 2 resulted in the arrest of two suspects in Barangay Bacayao Norte, Dagupan City. The suspects sold bundles of “kwitis” firecrackers to a poseur-buyer, and authorities also recovered raw materials and chemicals used in the illegal manufacture of firecrackers.
As of December 27, 2025, PNP monitoring under Ligtas Paskuhan recorded a total of 486 operations nationwide against illegal firecrackers, resulting in the confiscation of 72,708 pieces of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices with an estimated value of Php1,150,411. A total of 23 individuals were arrested, while 68 firework-related injuries were recorded nationwide.
PNP once again urges the public to celebrate responsibly and comply with existing laws and regulations to prevent incidents and ensure a safe welcome to the year 2026. By remaining vigilant and promptly reporting the sale and use of illegal firecrackers, the public plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of safety and shared responsibility in every community—truly for a Bagong Pilipinas para sa Bagong Taon!
