ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA / SOCCSKSARGEN – Police authorities in Zamboanga Sibugay and Sultan Kudarat have intensified their post-holiday safety campaign with the ceremonial destruction of thousands of confiscated illegal firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices, and improvised cannons, reinforcing their zero-tolerance stance against dangerous and prohibited fireworks.
In Zamboanga Sibugay, the Provincial Police Office (PPO) led the destruction of thousands of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices seized throughout the holiday season. The activity was held on January 7, 2026, at the Lumbia Landfill in Barangay Lumbia, Ipil, in coordination with various government agencies to ensure the safe and environmentally sound disposal of the confiscated items.
The operation forms part of the police’s intensified campaign to protect the public from firecracker-related injuries, fires, and property damage, especially during peak celebration periods.
Meanwhile, in Sultan Kudarat, the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (SKPPO), under the leadership of PCOL Bernard L. Lao, conducted its own Ceremonial Destruction of Confiscated Firecrackers, Pyrotechnics, and Improvised Cannons (Boga) on the same day, January 7, 2026, at the New PHQ Admin Building, Camp Colonel Amando M. Dumlao, Sr. in Isulan.
SKPPO reported a total of 960 confiscated items destroyed, consisting of assorted firecrackers, pyrotechnics, and improvised cannons, with an estimated value of ₱6,328.00. These were seized through intensified police operations, inspections, and community reporting from December 21, 2025 to January 3, 2026.
The ceremony was attended by key partner agencies and officials, including:
- PCOL Federico B. Valencia III, Chief, Regional Logistics and Research Development Division (RLRDD)
- PCOL Narciso O. Bayugo, Chief, Regional Civil Security Unit 12 (represented by PCMS Roland T. Rosales)
- FSINSP Richard M. Madayag, Fire Marshal, BFP Isulan (represented by SFO1 Laurence M. Garcia)
- Dr. Gina C. Galinato, Provincial Health Officer (represented by Mr. Ryan Lloyd C. Requerme)
In his message, PCOL Lao underscored the importance of strict enforcement and public cooperation:
“This ceremonial destruction symbolizes our unwavering dedication to protecting lives and preventing injuries. We urge the public to continue cooperating with authorities and to refrain from using illegal and dangerous firecrackers.”
The Department of Health (DOH) reported that Sultan Kudarat recorded one of the lowest numbers of firecracker-related injuries in the region during the holiday period, a success attributed to heightened law enforcement visibility and strong community participation.
Police authorities in both provinces emphasized that these efforts are not merely symbolic, but part of a sustained campaign to uphold national laws regulating the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
The Zamboanga Sibugay PPO and SKPPO reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with local government units, national agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure that celebrations remain safe — and that the lives and limbs of citizens are never put at risk for dangerous, illegal fireworks.
“Public safety is non-negotiable,” police officials stressed, warning that enforcement operations will continue year-round against violators.