Camanava cops seize illegal firecrackers

Hundreds of assorted illegal firecrackers and alcohol-fuelled improvised PVC cannons or boga were seized by Northern Police District officers during rounds in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela yesterday in line with government efforts to curb injuries from firecrackers and during the New Year Eve revelry.

The seized fireworks filled 10 sacks, which were turned over to Director General Oscar Calderon, chief of the Philippine National Police, and Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, chief of the PNP National Capital Region Police Office.

Police started seizing improvised PVC pipe cannons, popularly known as "Boga," last week following a ban prompted by a rise in the number of injuries caused by the seemingly harmless noisemakers.

"This is part of the police drive to help trim down the number of illegal firecracker victims, especially here in our area," NPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Tango told reporters.

Calderon and Varilla conducted surprise inspections of all Metro Manila’s five police districts yesterday to ensure police readiness for any emergency during the New Year’s Eve revelry.

Calderon arrived at the NPD headquarters in Caloocan City at around 9:30 a.m.

"I would also like to call on our residents not to hesitate to report to us any individual or policeman they knew who fired their guns in welcoming the New Year for that’s a very serious violation of a specific directive," Calderon said, referring to his direct order against celebratory gunfire.

He also reminded policemen that they were also obliged to report colleagues who fired their guns during the revelry, warning that they could be held liable if they kept quiet. "Make a necessary action or you too could also be held equally liable," Calderon told NPD officers.

Calderon spent the day yesterday giving last-minute instructions to commanders to make sure that the celebrations went well.