Police seize P1.4-M worth of illegal firecrackers in Metro Manila

Ahead of the New Year’s Eve revelry, police have confiscated more than P1.4 million worth of illegal firecrackers in Metro Manila, including the highly dangerous type known as “Goodbye Philippines.”

In Jun Veneracion’s report on “Balitanghali” on Wednesday, authorities said two recent explosions were caused by the illegal firework.

Different units of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confiscated the illegal fireworks in separate operations.

NCRPO chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin said some of the confiscated improvised cannons, or “boga,” were deliberately damaged to prevent them from being reused or causing harm. 

Most of the illegal fireworks will be destroyed on January 7 in a safer location outside Metro Manila, away from residential communities.

Explosives and ordnance experts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned that extreme caution is needed when disposing of fireworks.

Fireworks and firecrackers should not be soaked in water, as these may become even more explosive once dried.

Authorities also confirmed that the Goodbye Philippines firecracker that exploded earlier was the same type believed to have killed a child in Tondo, Manila.

Police said the firecracker, which was left behind by other individuals, was picked up by the two children prior to its explosion.

Aberin also noted that investigators have identified persons of interest in connection with the incident. Once the individual who left the illegal firework is identified, he or she may face criminal charges. — JMA, GMA Integrated News