Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12), led by Regional Director PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, carried out a region-wide ceremonial destruction of confiscated firecrackers and improvised “Boga” devices on December 27, 2025, as part of intensified efforts to ensure a safe holiday season.
All Provincial and City Police Offices within the SOCCSKSARGEN region simultaneously destroyed seized pyrotechnics classified as hazardous or illegally manufactured. The synchronized operation aimed to prevent firecracker-related injuries, fires, and accidents as communities prepare to ring in the New Year.
According to PRO 12, the activity sends a clear message to the public about the strict enforcement of national laws and local ordinances regulating fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. By eliminating the confiscated items, police ensured they would not find their way back into circulation, putting lives and property at risk.
PBGEN Ardiente emphasized the police force’s commitment to public safety. “PRO 12 remains steadfast in safeguarding our communities, especially during high-risk celebrations. We call on everyone to cooperate by avoiding the use of illegal firecrackers and choosing safer ways to celebrate,” he said in a statement.
The initiative forms part of the regional police’s broader holiday security measures, including heightened patrols, community awareness efforts, and enforcement operations against prohibited explosives.
Authorities urge parents and residents to remain vigilant and prioritize safety, reminding the public that a joyful celebration should not come at the cost of avoidable harm.