Barangay officials seize improvised boga made by kids in QC

Tanods of Barangay Commonwealth in Quezon City seized several improvised boga made from small drinking bottles that were held together by tape.

According to Oscar Oida’s report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the makeshift boga were made by children in the area, who used denatured alcohol for the improvised device.

Authorities also warned that the improvised boga actually pose more risks and dangers to its users.

“Sa mga magulang na nanonood ngayon, pakibantayan po yung mga anak natin, mga kabataan. Kasi kaya nila gumawa ng improvised na boga o ‘yung mga ilegal na paputok na pwedeng maging sanhi ng kanilang kapahamakan,” said kagawad Elmer Buena. 

(To the parents watching right now, please keep a close eye on your children. Because they are capable of making improvised boga or illegal firecrackers that could harm them.)

A fire that recently hit a residential area in Barangay Commonwealth was reportedly caused by an improvised firecracker. The blaze burned down more than 50 homes and left over 100 families homeless.

The barangay said firecrackers have been banned in their community for more than a decade. 

“Gumawa kami ng ordinansa na ipinagbabawal na magbenta, bumili, at magpaputok,” said barangay captain Manuel Co.

(We enacted an ordinance that prohibits selling, buying, and lighting firecrackers.) 

The barangay ordinance penalized violators of the firecracker ban with a P1,000 to P5,000 fine.

“Kasi kapag Bagong Taon dito, napaka-usok talaga, nakakasira ng kalikasan. Pangalawa, maraming napuputukan, maraming nadidisgrasya,” Co said.

(Because during New Year’s here, there’s too much smoke, which is bad for the environment. Secondly, many people get injured by explosions, many are victims of accidents.)

Barangay tanods are making rounds in the community to confiscate the makeshift boga and other improvised firecrackers. 

“Pinapatawag namin yung magulang, ina-advise-an namin. Pinapakita namin sa kanila ‘yung epekto ng paputok,” Co added.

(We summon the parents and give them advice. We show them the effects of firecrackers.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA Integrated News