City of San Fernando, Pampanga — The Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPPO) reported on Sunday that its operatives destroyed hundreds of prohibited items confiscated during the holiday season.

The ceremonial destruction — held just days before New Year’s Eve — aimed to prevent injuries and accidents caused by these hazardous materials, ensuring a safer celebration for the community.

PPPO director Police Colonel Jay Dimaandal spearheaded the event at the Pampanga PPO headquarters and oversaw the destruction of 16,280 various banned firecrackers.

This initiative, carried out with the cooperation of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, showcased the strength of inter-agency collaboration in protecting public safety.

The confiscated firecrackers included 2,070 pieces of Piccolo, 1,280 pieces of Five Star, 300 pieces of Poppop, and 603 pieces of improvised boga cannons. The total estimated market value of the destroyed firecrackers exceeded P143,630.

Dimaandal stressed the importance of the campaign against illegal firecrackers to prevent firecracker-related injuries and promote a safer holiday celebration for all.