BLASTING BAN | Police dismantle an illegal firecracker manufacturing operation in Bulacan, seizing dangerous chemicals and materials intended for use during the holiday season.| RPIO3
NATION

PRO3 cracks down on illegal firecrackers ahead of holidays

Franco Regala

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — With the Yuletide season fast approaching, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) on Tuesday announced an intensified campaign against illegal firecrackers, following the seizure of manufacturing materials in Bulacan.

On 10 November, police operatives from the San Ildefonso Municipal Police Station acted on an anonymous tip and discovered the materials in a vacant lot near a creek in Barangay Lapnit. The seized items included potassium perchlorate, firecracker fuses, colored firecracker powder, unfinished “Kwitis” and “Whistle Bombs,” and various manufacturing tools.

Bulacan police previously conducted two separate operations in October, resulting in arrests and the confiscation of illegal firecrackers in Sta. Maria and Angat.

PRO3 Director PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. commended the Bulacan police for their vigilance and reaffirmed the PRO3’s commitment to preventing firecracker-related injuries during the holiday season. He emphasized that the ongoing operations form part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO).

Peñones said the PRO3 will continue to intensify law enforcement and public awareness efforts to ensure a safe and peaceful Christmas season across Central Luzon.