The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., has intensified its nationwide campaign against illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices to ensure a safe and injury-free holiday season.

On December 27, 2025, Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) carried out the ceremonial destruction of 10,906 confiscated illegal firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices, and improvised cannons or “boga,” seized during police operations across the region.

Meanwhile, law enforcement operations continue on the ground. In Dagupan City, police arrested three suspects in two separate operations for violations of Republic Act No. 7183. One suspect was caught selling illegal firecrackers through an online transaction, while two others were arrested in a buy-bust operation involving the sale of “kwitis” and the possession of materials used in illegal firecracker manufacturing.

“Malinaw ang mensahe natin—walang lugar ang ilegal at mapanganib na paputok sa ating mga komunidad. We commend PRO1 and the Pangasinan Police for their relentless efforts to protect the public, lalo na ngayong holiday season,” PLTGEN Nartatez said.

As of 7:00 p.m. on December 27, 2025, PNP monitoring under Ligtas Paskuhan recorded 486 operations nationwide, resulting in the confiscation of 72,708 illegal firecrackers worth an estimated ₱1.15 million and the arrest of 23 individuals. A total of 68 firecracker-related injuries were also reported nationwide.

The PNP reiterated its call for the public to celebrate responsibly and comply with existing laws, emphasizing that safer celebrations lead to a happier New Year.