NCRPO to seize powerful firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines - National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Leonardo Espina ordered yesterday a campaign to rid the streets of Metro Manila of powerful firecrackers in a bid to reduce the number of casualties during the New Year revelry.

Espina ordered his men to go after the illegal firecrackers dubbed as “Gangnam Boom,” “Pacman” and “Goodbye Bading.”

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also warned the public against using firecrackers named “end of the world,” kabasi and ultrana.

“For us to reduce the number of casualties during the New Year revelry, we should rid the streets of powerful firecrackers,” said Espina in his directive to his five police district directors. “And we can only do that with a massive and serious campaign against these illegal firecrackers.”

Espina warned businessmen against selling illegal firecrackers as they are would commit several offenses. He urged businessmen to arm themselves with permits from the local government units and the PNP’s Firearms and Explosive Division and sell only legal firecrackers.

Earlier, Espina said the NCRPO has yet to receive reports on casualties of firecracker blasts and indiscriminate firing of handguns during the Christmas revelry.

He credited the peaceful celebration of Christmas in Metro Manila to the “security arrangement we deployed that is holding.”

The NCRPO chief said they would employ the same security measures implemented during the Christmas celebration as he expressed hope that it would also end up as a success and with fewer casualties.