Authorities destroyed prohibited firecrackers confiscated in General Santos City and Sarangani Province.

The firecrackers seized in General Santos City such as kwitis, judas belt, among others, were soaked in a drum of water.

Up to 61 improvised firecrackers called “boga” were also destroyed.

According to the Police Regional Office-SOCCSKSARGEN (PRO-12), the prohibited firecrackers destroyed were worth around P38,000.

Several “boga” seized in Sarangani Province were also destroyed.

PRO-12 said some of the confiscated firecrackers were sold online.

Police earlier arrested a person who allegedly sold prohibited firecrackers online. The suspect is facing possible charges for violation of the law that regulates the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

“Hindi kasi yan pwede i-online selling kasi only in the designated area firecracker zone ang mag-retail, magbenta kasi highly flammable yan, hazardous,” PRO-12 Regional Operation Division Chief, Col. Amante Suriaga, said.

Data from DOH-12 showed that the region recorded 39 firecracker-related injuries from December 21 to 31, 2024.

Boga is the leading cause of firecracker-related injuries in the region.