Police in Dagupan City raided an illegal firecracker workshop in Barangay Bacayao Norte, uncovering explosive materials stored inside a makeshift hut hidden deep inside the area.

The Dagupan City Police Office (DCPO) said the site contained tools, equipment, and several firecrackers ready for distribution. Officers also found black and white powder used for making explosive products.

“Noong pumasok kami sa lugar, talagang liblib ‘yung lugar. Tapos naabutan namin doon mga black at white powder,” PCOL Orly Pagaduan, director of DCPO, said.

Police did not find the operator or any worker at the site.

This is the second illegal firecracker workshop discovered and raided by DCPO in less than a week. Authorities said community reports have been crucial to their crackdown.

“Salamat doon sa mga nagbibigay sa amin ng impormasyon kaya ito nadidiskubre, at sa barangay kasi sila agad ang nagko-kordon sa lugar,” Pagaduan added.

Barangay Bacayao Norte chairman Diosdado Maramba said they have warned residents repeatedly about illegal activities.

“Hindi kami nagkulang na sabihan yung mga tao. Talagang iniikot namin ang barangay,” Maramba said.

DCPO stressed that there are no legally registered firecracker manufacturers in Dagupan City and urged the public to report any suspicious workshops through their hotline numbers.

Police reminded residents that reporting illegal operations helps ensure the safety of the community.