BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
The skies in Baguio City lit up magnificently as residents welcomed 2025. Fireworks and aerial displays could be seen everywhere.
For Donna Consulta, while the display was beautiful, it also caused concern due to illegal firecrackers in their barangay.
“It’s nerve-wracking because fire incidents are common nowadays. The illegal firecrackers make it more worrying,” Donna mentioned.
On New Year’s Eve, the Baguio City Police Office destroyed 4,928 confiscated and surrendered illegal firecrackers.
Among those were prohibited items like “boga,” “kwitis,” and “whistle bombs.” Firecrackers are banned under Ordinance No. 53, Series of 2009.
PBGen. David K. Peredo Jr., Regional Director, PROCAR, mentioned, “People need to be informed to avoid using firecrackers as the numbers could double or triple.”
According to BCPO, seven firecracker-related injuries were recorded, mostly caused by “boga,” with minors as the majority of victims. The City Health Services Office also recorded nine injuries, including one caused by a stray bullet.
PMAJ. Marcy Marron, PIO, Baguio City Police Office, expressed, “Seven firecracker-related injuries were recorded, mostly from boga. Many involved were minors.”
Despite this, the BCPO considered the New Year celebration generally peaceful.
“It was generally peaceful since there were no reported crime incidents except for reckless imprudence resulting in property damage,” Marron confirmed.
As the holiday season ends, the BCPO and other agencies are now preparing for the Chinese New Year and the 2025 Panagbenga Flower Festival.
