CEBU, Philippines – Police and fire departments in Lapu-Lapu City will continue their campaign against illegal firecrackers until the end of the New Year’s Day celebration.
Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc, acting director of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, said the police patrols they have implemented so far resulted to the confiscation of illegal fancy explosives last December 24.
Two police stations seized an estimated P10,000 worth of illegal firecrackers in Barangays Pajac and Babag.
"Aduna ta’y gipang-imbargo, daghan nga mga pabuto labi na sa interior areas sa Barangay Babag," Radoc said.
The confiscation of assorted firecracker items happened around 3 p.m. on December 24 and around 10 a.m. last December 25 after concerned citizens reported to the LCPO, Radoc said.
After police investigation, Radoc said eight stalls in Barangay Babag were found to have no permits and may have not undergone firecracker seminars that were jointly initiated earlier by the city government, the police and the fire department.
The confiscated firecrackers were soaked in an icebox full of water, said Radoc.
Since the hospitals in Lapu-Lapu City recorded no firecracker-related incidents, Radoc said they are still aiming for a zero firecracker incident this New Year.
He added that as of now, personnel from five police stations continued their campaign that includes reminding the public on having a safe and peaceful celebration on New Year's Eve.
Radoc advised the public to buy firecrackers from licensed stalls only.
The Lapu-Lapu City Fire District, for its part, works hand-in-hand with the LCPO to assure firecrackers are bought from legitimate stalls in Barangay Babag.
Radoc added that firecrackers should be out of children's reach as much as possible as they pose risk to them. (FREEMAN)