Police in Dagupan City have launched a sweeping inspection of barangays to track down illegal firecracker makers, following an explosion at a suspected illegal workshop in Barangay Tebeng on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

The Dagupan City Police Office (DCPO) said it is working closely with barangay officials after receiving reports of individuals allegedly operating hidden firecracker-making sites across the city. Several names have already been identified and are now under verification.

“We have traces of firecracker workshops that we are looking into, and for validation na ang ginagawa natin,” PCOL. Orly Pagaduan, Dagupan City Police director, said.

He warned that the police will file charges against anyone caught running illegal firecracker operations, noting the serious danger they pose to the community.

“Ihinto na ninyo ang ginagawa ninyo kasi hindi ‘yan safe,” Pagaduan said.

Barangay officials in Tebeng expressed full support for the police crackdown. Barangay tanods have begun intensified patrols to prevent firecracker makers from operating in their area. The barangay also strictly prohibits the use of improvised noisemakers such as boga.

“We will create an ordinance here in the barangay na bawal talaga ang paputok. Mag-iikot kami,” Marvin Magsano, Barangay Tebeng Council Administrator, said.

The DCPO urged residents to report any suspected illegal firecracker production sites immediately, they added that community cooperation is crucial in preventing future explosions.