Central Luzon sets 394 firecracker, fireworks display areas

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — As the New Year celebration begins tonight, local government units in Central Luzon have established 261 community firecracker zones and 133 fireworks display areas for a safer revelry.

Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Central Luzon police director, said all 394 designated areas would be supervised by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Of the 261 community firecracker zones, 85 are in Bulacan, 64 in Tarlac, 40 in Zambales, 28 in Nueva Ecija, 24 in Pampanga, 15 in Aurora and five in Bataan.

The 133 fireworks display areas include 46 in Bulacan, 27 each in Nueva Ecija and Zambales, 15 in Pampanga, nine in Tarlac, five in Bataan and two each in Aurora and Angeles City.

Meanwhile, police in Central Luzon have confiscated 20,000 pieces of illegal firecrackers and improvised cannons, locally known as boga, in 226 police operations from Dec. 16 to 29.

Maranan said the confiscation of the items, worth P403,385, is part of the police campaign to protect the public from injuries and against the use of illegal fireworks.

In Pangasinan, police also seized 122 improvised cannons and 1,381 illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Col. Rollyfer Capoquian, Pangasinan police director, said the illegal items were confiscated in several police operations in Alaminos City and the towns of Bautista, San Jacinto, San Manuel, Bani and Binmaley.

Capoquian led yesterday the ceremonial destruction of the confiscated firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices – piccolo, five star, large Judas belt, goodbye Philippines, giant bawang and kwitis – improvised cannons and 238 motorcycle mufflers.

Stressing that the PNP is serious in its campaign against illegal devices, he encouraged people to use alternative ways to welcome the New Year and prevent injuries.

“The PNP will continuously and strictly enforce the law, especially Executive Order 28 and Republic Act 7183, which prohibit the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices that cause injuries and even death to our constituents,” Capoquian said.