By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) said yesterday that the celebration of Christmas Day in the city has been peaceful.

BCPO spokesperson Lt. Colonel Ronnie Brillo said they have not recorded any serious incidents since December 16, the first day of the nine-day “Simbang Gabi” or pre-dawn Christmas novena Masses.

The BCPO has also not recorded any firecracker injuries.

BCPO director, Colonel Noel Aliño has directed police stations in the city to conduct regular patrols together with barangay tanods during the holidays.

The patrols aimed to prevent not just criminal elements who would take advantage of the celebration, but also incidents of illegal firearm discharge.

Meanwhile, Brillo warned residents against buying illegal firecrackers and “boga,” or improvised cannon made of polyvinyl chloride, for the New Year revelries.

He also urged the residents to only use firecrackers on areas designated by village officials./DGB, WDJ