More than 520,000 illegal firecrackers seized — PNP

MANILA, Philippines — A day before the New Year’s Eve celebrations, over 520,000 illegal firecrackers have been confiscated by the authorities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday, December 31. 

The confiscated firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are estimated to be worth P2.4 million as of December 30, according to PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo in an interview with GMA’s Unang Balita. 

“As of yesterday, we have confiscated more than 520,000 illegal fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices,” Fajardo said in Filipino.

In a separate interview with DZBB, Fajardo said the police have also confiscated 7,000 “bogas.”

As of December 29, the PNP recorded 15 cases of indiscriminate firearm discharge, resulting in the arrest of 10 individuals.

Calabarzon recorded six cases of indiscriminate firing, followed by four cases in Metro Manila and two in Central Visayas. 

Meanwhile, one incident was reported each in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region and Cordillera Administrative Region.

On December 30, the Department of Health reported that 163 firecracker-related injuries have been recorded since December 22.

The health department also reminded the public to take proper first-aid measures in case of fireworks-related injuries.