MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that it has confiscated more than ₱1.224 million worth of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in nationwide operations ahead of the New Year revelry.

In a statement, the PNP said its operatives seized 79,953 pieces of illegal firecrackers valued at ₱1,224,909 as of 7 a.m. on December 28. The confiscated items were taken from public markets, roadside vendors, and checkpoints as part of the police force’s intensified campaign to protect the public during the holiday season.

The PNP emphasized that the crackdown is part of its “Ligtas Paskuhan” operations, which aim to reduce firework-related injuries and enforce Republic Act No. 7183, the law regulating the manufacture, sale, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

On Saturday, the PNP Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) in Ilocos Region conducted a ceremonial destruction of 10,906 pieces of confiscated illegal firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices, and improvised cannons known as “boga.” The destruction was carried out with assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), which soaked the items in water before they were rendered unusable.

Authorities reminded the public that only firecrackers and pyrotechnics approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are allowed for sale and use. The PNP warned that violators caught selling or using prohibited devices will face arrest and criminal charges.

Police officials also urged parents to closely monitor children during the holiday celebrations, stressing that illegal firecrackers pose serious risks of injury and even death. “We continue to appeal to the public to celebrate responsibly and avoid dangerous firecrackers. Let us welcome the New Year safely,” the PNP said.

The nationwide campaign comes as hospitals prepare for possible firecracker-related injuries during New Year’s Eve, a recurring public health concern in the country. The Department of Health (DOH) has also reiterated its annual call for a “firecracker-free New Year” to prevent accidents and reduce hospital admissions.

Confiscation Is Good, But Prevention Is the Real Test

Seizing more than ₱1.2 million worth of illegal firecrackers is commendable. It shows effort. It shows intent. But it also exposes a hard truth. These dangerous items were already out there, within reach of communities and children, before police stepped in.

Confiscation is reactive. Prevention is harder, and that is where the real responsibility lies.

Law enforcement must sustain pressure beyond ceremonial destruction and holiday operations. Illegal firecrackers return every year because vendors know enforcement fades once January passes. Local governments must do more than issue reminders. They must shut down repeat sellers and remove illegal fireworks from neighborhoods before injuries happen.

Parents also play a role. Warnings mean little if children are allowed to roam unsupervised with explosives. Vendors, meanwhile, must be held accountable for selling prohibited items, especially to minors.

Every New Year, the same cycle repeats. Seizures. Injuries. Appeals. The measure of success should not be how much was confiscated, but how many children were never put at risk in the first place.