PNP urges public not to use firecrackers in residential areas

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday reminded the public not to light firecrackers in residential areas in welcoming the New Year 2025.

"Sana makipagtulungan ang ating mga kababayan para sa kaligtasan ng lahat na mayroong mga designated community zone at doon na lang po at makakakita kayo ng magagandang pailaw," PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said in an interview on Dobol B TV.

(We hope our countrymen will cooperate to ensure the safety of all. There are designated community zones where you can see beautiful fireworks.)

"Iwasan ang mga pagpapaputok [ng firecrackers] doon sa harap ng kanilang mga bahay at salubungin natin ang Bagong Taon na ligtas po," she added.

(Avoid using firecrackers in front of houses, and let's celebrate the New Year in a safe manner.)

"Magpapakalat tayo ng mga pulis lalong lalo na sa bisperas ng Bagong Taon para siguraduhin ng ating mga pulis at ang mga barangay ay ide-deploy natin 'yan at dadagdagan pa po natin 'yan ng mga force multipliers to make sure na walang magpapaputok lalong lalo na 'yung mga firecrackers doon sa mga residential areas para maiwasan ang insidente" Fajardo said.

(We will deploy cops especially during New Year's Eve to ensure together with barangay personnel and force multipliers that no one will light firecrackers in residential areas to avoid any untoward incident.)

Indiscriminate firing

Fajardo also said the PNP will not put a tape to cover the firearms of police personnel to prevent indiscriminate firing during the New Year celebration.

"Matagal na nating hindi pina-practice 'yan na tine-tape [ang dulo] ng mga baril dahil naniniwala tayong disiplinado ang ating mga pulis," she said.

(It has been a long time since we observed that practice of putting tape on firearms, because we believe our policemen are disciplined.)

"Patuloy natin silang pinaaalalahanan na dapat ay hindi nila ginagamit sa anumang klaseng pagputok ng kanilang mga baril. Dapat ginagamit 'yan sa official [mission] lang," Fajardo said.

(We continue to remind them that their firearms are to be used for official purposes only.)

"At alam nila na mabigat ang kanilang kakaharapin nilang kaso na pwede nilang ika-dismiss sa serbisyo," she added.

(And they know they will face a serious case which may lead to their dismissal from service [should they be caught doing indiscriminate firing].)

'Boga'

Fajardo also reiterated the PNP's reminder to the public to refrain from using prohibited firecrackers like "boga" during the upcoming New Year festivities.

She said they confiscated a lot of "boga" in the past New Year celebration, and most of those who used them were youths.

"Napakadelikado po niyan dahil may mga insidente po tayo na sa mata nasabugan ng boga kaya magiging mas maigting ang pagbabantay natin diyan," Fajardo said.

(It is very dangerous to use because there were incidents before of eye injuries due to "boga" so we will be more alert in monitoring.)

The PNP spokesperson also said parents will be held liable for inadequate supervision of their children who will be caught using illegal firecrackers.

"Dapat talaga bantayan at i-supervise ng mga magulang ang kanilang mga anak," she added.

(Parents should monitor and supervise their children.) —KG, GMA Integrated News