By CESAR JOLITO III
More than 23,000 prohibited firecrackers worth an estimated P437,000 were confiscated across the Negros Island Region (NIR) during intensified police operations from December 27, 2025 to January 1, 2026, the Police Regional Office (PRO) – NIR reported.
The seized firecrackers, totaling 23,415 pieces, were presented to the media on New Year’s Day at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City’s Barangay Estefania.
Authorities said the confiscated items are scheduled for destruction on Wednesday, January 7.
Data from PRO-NIR showed that the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office recorded the highest number of confiscations with 6,170 firecrackers valued at P267,257.
This was followed by the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office with 5,283 firecrackers worth P59,641, the Bacolod City Police Office with 1,177 firecrackers valued at P66,330, and Siquijor Province, where only two prohibited firecrackers were seized.
As part of its firecracker safety campaign, PRO-NIR also monitored 36 local government unit-designated firecracker zones and 32 community fireworks display areas throughout the region.
Police said the strict monitoring helped prevent major firecracker-related incidents during the holiday period.
Authorities reported zero deaths related to firecracker or pyrotechnic use and no fire incidents attributed to fireworks during the New Year celebrations.
In a message, PRO-NIR director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay said the operation underscored the police force’s commitment to enforce the law and prioritizing public safety.
“Firecrackers and pyrotechnics, when used irresponsibly or illegally, pose serious risks to life, property and public order,” Ibay said.
He commended police units for their proactive enforcement, intensified inspections and close coordination with local government units, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and other stakeholders.
Ibay also acknowledged communities that voluntarily turned over prohibited firecrackers, highlighting the importance of police-community partnership in protecting children and maintaining peace and order during the holidays.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” Ibay added./CJ, WDJ