Illegal 'Goodbye Hamas' like a fountain, stronger than grenade

Over P1.5 million worth of illegal firecrackers, including a powerful cracker called "Goodbye, Hamas," were seized in Batangas, according to Joseph Morong’s Friday report on 24 Oras.

During the Calabarzon Police-Intelligence Division's surveillance operation in Batangas's Tanauan City, the said firecracker seemed to be more powerful than a grenade.

“Ito yung tinatawag na 'Good bye, Hamas,' na nakabili tayo. Pinaputok ng asset natin. Nabigla tayo, parang mas malakas pa sa granada. Para siyang fountain, sumisipol-sipol din siya, kaya kung lalapitan mo, talagang fountain, kaya lang mabigla ka kasi sa dulo, sasabog pala, at napakalakas talaga,” said PNP-PRO-4A's Police Lieutenant Colonel Vic Cabitangan.

(This is the so-called "Goodbye, Hamas," which we bought, and our asset lit. We were shocked, it seemed stronger than a grenade. It’s like a fountain, it also whistles, so if you get close, it only seems like a fountain, but you'll be surprised because at the end, it will explode, and it's really strong.)

The authorities immediately arrested the man who had the illegal fireworks, amounting to over P1.5 million. Other unlabeled fireworks, such as pla-pla, python, candle bombs, judas belts, giant whistle bombs, king-kong, pastillas, kabasi, and cone bombs were also seized.

“Wala lang kasi itong permit, at hindi rin mabibigyan ng permit considering na yung pinag-imbakan ay bahayan,” said Cabitangan.

(He doesn't have a permit, and he won't be given a permit considering the firecrackers were stored in a house.)

Police were cracking down on illegal fireworks and firecrackers to prevent mishaps like the 2022 fire in Laguna's Calamba City during which four people died, and the explosion at an illegal fireworks factory in Batangas's Lipa City in which one person was killed.

“Not only harming individuals kundi grupo ang pwedeng masaktan kapag sumabog itong mga illegal firecrackers na ito," said PNP-PRO 4A Regional Director Police Brigadier General Kenneth Paul Lucas.

"Pwede nilang itawag sa hotline natin PRO-4A, 0917-3295952 kung meron silang makitang nagde-deliver o nagma-manufacture ng illegal firecrackers.”

(Not only harming individuals but groups can be hurt when these illegal firecrackers explode. They can call our hotline PRO-4A, 0917-3295952 if they see someone delivering or manufacturing illegal firecrackers.) — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News