CEBU, Philippines — A total of P250,000 worth of confiscated firecrackers during the Yuletide season were destroyed by the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) by soaking them with water yesterday.
CCPO chief, Police Colonel Josefino Ligan, said the ban on the use of firecrackers in the city has proven to be very effective in preventing injuries during Christmas and New Year revelries.
Ligan said they will be recommending the response template that they used this year in the coming years.
"Nindot jud sya nga template kay kung makita ninyo karong tuiga duha ra ka injuries ang natala, so diha pa lang dapita unsa ka epektibo, labi na ang enforcement sa pag-confiscate aning mga firecracker kay ang uban mupasangil nga livelihood," said Ligan.
The Cebu City government banned the use of firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year revelries. The police also intensified its operations against vendors selling firecrackers without a permit.
"That is why kining atong effort gikan pag Pasko until New Year niresulta nga gamay ra jud ang injuries…nindot information campaign," said Ligan.
According to Ligan, the ban on the use of firecrackers should be implemented by the local government unit every year. Bulk of the confiscated firecrackers came from Carbon Police Station.
At least P150,000 worth of abandoned firecrackers were seized by the Carbon Police Station at the South Bus Terminal. It was believed that the firecrackers were intended for Dumaguete City. — FPL (FREEMAN)