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Eastern Visayas police destroys banned firecrackers

By Gerico Sabalza

January 7, 2020, 9:07 pm

<p><strong>DESTROYED</strong>. Policemen destroy banned firecrackers seized in Tacloban City on Saturday (Jan. 4, 2020). About 84 percent of the illegal firecrackers were confiscated in the city, while the rest were seized in different parts of Leyte. <em>(Photo courtesy of Tacloban City police office)</em></p>

DESTROYED. Policemen destroy banned firecrackers seized in Tacloban City on Saturday (Jan. 4, 2020). About 84 percent of the illegal firecrackers were confiscated in the city, while the rest were seized in different parts of Leyte. (Photo courtesy of Tacloban City police office)

PALO, Leyte – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has destroyed illegal firecrackers and prohibited pyrotechnic devices confiscated during the holiday season.

Col. Ma. Bella Rentuaya, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-8, said 84 percent of the illegal firecrackers were confiscated in Tacloban City, while the remaining were seized in different parts of Leyte.

“The PHP79,900 worth of illegal firecrackers were properly disposed of in their respective areas of jurisdictions last Saturday,” Rentuaya said during a press briefing on Monday at the police regional headquarters here.

During the New Year revelries, there were four reported cases of minor injuries related to firecrackers, while two persons were arrested for illegal discharge of firearms and 16 for illegal possession, use, and sale of firecrackers.

As part of the enhanced security operations for the holiday season, some 1,406 personnel were deployed in all places of convergence in the region such as transportation terminals, churches, and ports.

At least, 12 motorized anti-street crime operatives were also deployed in Tacloban City’s commercial district, the regional capital.

Overall, the New Year celebration in the region was generally peaceful with no reported major incidents.

“Through the collective efforts of our police officers for the safety and security of our communities, as well as the support of our stakeholders, our holiday celebrations were generally peaceful,” PNP-Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Divina said.

The PNP was on full alert status from Dec. 16, 2019 to Jan. 5, 2020.

The alert status has remained in conflict-stricken Samar provinces. (PNA)

 

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