CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE—A man was killed after a heated argument with a bus owner when he tried to cut the electrical wiring of a bus unit in the company garage in Barangay Minuyan this city on Monday. 

Bulacan police director Col. Relly Arnedo has yet to identify the victim. The suspect however was identified as Renee Roxas, 50, owner of Aguila Transport and Hilltop bus company in Ipo Road, Barangay Minuyan Proper this city. 

The incident transpired at around 3:50pm at the garage of the bus company in the said place. 

Arnedo said Roxas was inspecting his buses when he saw the victim cutting the electrical wires of one of the bus units. He then confronted him and a heated argument ensued. The victim then tried stabbing the suspect with his knife, but the suspect managed to draw his firearm and shot the victim several times that led to his instantaneous death. 

Police managed to arrest the suspect who yielded a .38 calibre revolver believed used in the incident. 

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan—A 36 year old man was arrested by the police for causing a disturbance involving property damage and threats in the City of Baliwag on Tuesday.

Bulacan police director Col. Relly Arnedo said the suspect forcibly entered the garage of a house in Sitio Sulong, Barangay Tilapayong where he damaged a car, motorcycle, and a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) monitor using a metal tube.

He was also reported to have threatened with harm the occupants of another house in the area. Appropriate criminal complaints related to alarm and scandal, malicious mischief, grave threat, trespass to dwelling, and violations to Batas Pambansa 6 have been filed against the suspect.

In separate police operations in the City of Malolos and City of Baliwag, two wanted persons were arrested. They are now currently held in custody in the respective police stations where they were arrested.

Series of anti-illegal drug operations led to the arrest of 6 individuals engaged in the illegal drug trade in the areas of City of Baliwag, City of Meycauayan and Marilao town which resulted in the confiscation of 11 sachets of suspected shabu worth nearly P20,000. 

DANAO CITY, Cebu—The Social Security System (SSS) formally opened its E-Center in Cebu Mitsumi Inc. (CMI), one of the province’s biggest electronic parts manufacturing companies, to bring SSS online services closer to over 18,700 employees.

Located at the MRI Special Economic Zone, CMI’s SSS E-Center is open every Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm. CMI staff shall assist their colleagues with their SSS online transactions, such as issuance of Social Security (SS) Numbers, My.SSS Account registration, Payment Reference Number (PRN) Generation, Salary Loan, Pension Loan and ConsoLoan Application, Disbursement Account Enrolment, Benefit Claims Application, Member Data Change Request, Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) compliance, sending queries and obtaining SSS Forms.  

“We are very thankful that SSS chose Cebu Mitsumi as one of its e-center hubs. I hope that SSS will extend more assistance to us and our employees,” Cebu Mitsumi Inc. President Tatsuya Mori said.

“CMI is the first company in Cebu to have an SSS E-Center, which will help employees transact remotely with SSS. All they need to do is go to the kiosk and access their My.SSS Portal to submit their loan and benefit applications and proceed with all other transactions,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said.

MANILA–In support of the enhancement of the country’s healthcare facilities, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman has approved the issuance of Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) in the total amount of P550 million to cover the funding requirements for the Out-Patient Department (OPD) Building of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI).

“Ang palagi pong sinasabi ng ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., no Filipino should be deprived of quality health care. That’s why we continuously give high regard to our health care facilities, more importantly, our specialty hospitals like NKTI,” Sec. Mina said.

The funds will be used for the construction and expansion of NKTI’s OPD Building, which is designed to be a one-stop shop for the hospital’s social services, including diagnostic and surgical facilities. Specializing in the treatment and prevention of kidney and allied diseases, the NKTI amplifies its capabilities through the construction of the proposed 8-storey OPD Building.

The facility will provide areas for the expansion of outpatient services of the hospital with a total cost of P1.331 billion.

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan—A 60-year old security guard was arrested by the police due to indiscriminate firing at a school in the City of San Jose del Monte on Monday.

Bulacan Police Director Col. Relly Arnedo identified the arrested as Ronald Aquino. A concerned resident filed a complaint against him for illegal discharge of firearms at Marangal Elementary School. Confiscated from him was a Cal. 38 revolver without a trademark and serial number.

Charges of alarm and scandal and Violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions were filed against him.

Similarly, City of San Jose del Monte police in collaboration with personnel of the 301st MC, RMFB 3, arrested one alias Chris, wanted for Grave Oral Defamation and alias Jon, who was wanted for multiple charges including Robbery Extortion, violations of the Anti-Photo and Voyeurism Act of 2009, and Lascivious Conduct by virtue of warrant of arrests.

In Bocaue, an anti-illegal gambling operation successfully led to the apprehension of six suspects engaged in illegal cockfighting in St. Martha Estate Homes in Barangay Batia, Confiscated evidence included fighting cocks, gaffs, and betting money. They were also charged with violations to anti-illegal gambling law.

By Jason de Asis

BALER, Aurora-The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion and the Army Recruitment Office -Luzon of the Army Personnel Management Center (APMC) recently facilitated the two-day caravan to 135 individuals who are potential to become commissioned officers through the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) as a pre-commission training for the Philippine Army.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said that 123 college graduate, 8 graduating students in college and 4 active army from 91st IB undergone the Pre-Screening and Registration for the Armed Forces and Police Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) Examination to all qualified individuals.

He added that the Pre-Screening and Registration for AFPSAT Examination to all qualified individuals was conducted from December 21 and 22, 2023 at the Headquarters of 91st IB, Camp Jaime P. Bitong Sr., Barangay Calabuanan in this town.

The battalion commander also said that there is another round of pre-screening and registration set on January 12 to 13 next year for the AFPSAT in February.

“Interested individuals shall wear white t-shirts, Pants, and Closed Shoes. Bring their necessary requirements such as (ORIGINAL): -Diploma -Transcript of Records (TOR) -PSA-Issued Birth Certificate – Government issued valid ID.

For fresh graduates who were not able to get their diploma & TOR, they may present their certificate of graduation instead,” Recto said.

Recto added that the qualifications are College Graduate at least 4-year-course; 21-26 of age but not a day older than 27 on the start of the training; at least 5 feet in height; Single; without child or no parental obligation; Physically and mentally fit; and no pending case in any court.

Accordingly, the Officer Candidate Course is a pre-entry training conducted for Cadets as Officer Candidates to be commissioned into the Regular Force in the Philippine Army ready to deploy as Infantry Platoon Leaders upon completion. Recto also noted that the two-day recruitment caravan for the 135 applicants also underwent interviews to determine if they are qualified for the AFPSAT and training.

“We encouraged everyone to grab the opportunity to serve as the protector of the people, securing our land, preserving peace and harmony, and defending our country against terrorism and other forms of threats, whether of civilian or military nature…Good luck to everyone,” Recto said.

Registered Forester Roselle C. Demandante from Barangay Umiray Dingalan, Aurora said in an interview that the caravan served as a stepping stone to qualify in her dream to become one of the officers of the Philippine Army in the near future. Patrick C. Soriano from Dinalungan, Aurora expressed his sincerest thanks to 91st IB and APMC for bringing the caravan closer to people.

“It helps us to lessen our expenses instead of going to Manila for the pre-screening and registration, we are grateful that the caravan was conducted here in Aurora,” he said.

DECEMBER 31– SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela capped off the year with their annual ChriSMiles project. Spearheaded by the Human Resources Department of each mall, ChriSMiles is a employee volunteerism initiative designed to bring smiles to the faces of children while spreading holiday cheer throughout the community.

In Caloocan, children from Tahanang Mapagkalinga Social Development Center were overjoyed as volunteers from SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan gave love and heartwarming surprises. SM City Grand Central became a hub of joy as the young ones were treated to a day filled with surprises, including a tour around SM City Grand Central, a hearty meal from Jollibee, engaging games from Tom’s World, Quantum, and Jack Adventure, and entertaining movies from SM Cinema.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Caloocan City Government, City Social Welfare Officer Regina Embalsado conveyed her heartfelt thanks to SM, emphasizing the importance of the ChriSMiles project for the abandoned, neglected, and abused children. ” We are very grateful po dahil may magagandang puso na yumayakap sa mga bata. Taos puso po ang pasasalamat namin sa inyo,” she remarked.

Meanwhile, the employees of SM City Valenzuela brought joy to the children at Bahay Kalinga ng Valenzuela. Laughter echoed through the air as the youngsters were treated to gifts, entertainment, and a year-end party, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela go beyond their roles as shopping destinations, evolving into hubs of community spirit and generosity. Fueled by the dedication of each mall and its employees, the ChriSMiles project embodies the true essence of the holiday season. It also serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective efforts, making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. SM ChriSMiles was made possible through the initiative of the malls and their employees. Each SM employee contributed generously, both in time and resources, to raise a substantial amount of money for the holiday celebrations of less fortunate children.

BULAKAN, Bulacan—A captivating glimpse of the rich heritage of this old capital of the province will continue to astound local folks today and even world tourists when the P754 billion worth New Manila International Airport opens a few years from now because of intensified efforts being undertaken to preserve them.

Not only that they are still well-maintained structures and ordinances will be created to help preserve them best, they are also featured and promoted in the 2024 Bulakan Bayang Pamana” calendar of Kabesera Inc, the town’s heritage group. The calendar also features a five hundred years old document of a millionaire’s will, perfect for salad aquaculture plant, traditional fishing tool, local heroes and illustrious folks.

Perfecto Teodoro Martin, former president of Kabesera Inc., who conceptualized the Bayang Pamana calendar starting 2023 said the century  old houses that continue to be preserved these days are some of the oldest in the town and were erected during the more than 300 years of Bulakan being capital of the province.

Martin who previously works in UP Sentro ng Wikang Filipino and at the Publication and Information Division Director of the National Center for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) said Bulakan has become the capital of the province for that long years compared to the now capital City of Malolos which is only more than 100 years capital of the province.   

Ycasiano house
The century old houses include the Ycasiano-Enriquez house situated in Barangay San Jose and the boundary of Barangay Matungao that was built in 1860 has not lost its radiance as an edifice of the Spanish era. Kabesera Inc. former president Don Jacinto Ycasiano built the house for his daughter Josefa who married Vicente Enriquez (aide-de-camp) of Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar and one of the survivors of the Battle at the Pasong Tirad. Their son, Jacinto Enriquez who was married to Milgaros Santiago-Enriquez,the famous Philippine food historian inherited the house. Today, their children including Bong Enriquez, a Kabesera Inc. member, known in the field of theatre arts continue to preserve the house.

A number of movie and television drama series were filmed in the house.

Tanseco house
In Camino Street also in Barangay San Jose, the “Tanseco House,” ancestral house of the ancestors of Dela Pena remains a head-turner.

The 92 year-old house of Homobono Sempio Tanseco and Isabel Fajardo built in 1931 still stands beautifully today under the care of Dela Pena. The former secretary who served six years during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte converts the property as the family’s rendezvous for reunions and other occasions.
The house is deemed more significant and historical because it continues to keep a hundred year old family memorabilias, kept and pasted in a cabinet’s door and was framed to be preserved. 

In the door of a cabinet in one of the rooms, a typewritten record of the marriage date of Dela Pena’s grandparents with the list of all the names of the nine children, their birth dates and the deaths of some of them was still pasted and readable today.   

”Dito nakatala ang mga pangalan ng naging bunga ng pag-iisang palad ni Homobono Tanseco at Isabel Fajardo na ginanap noong ika-2 ng Marso, sa Taong Isang Libo, Siyam na Raan at Lima. Dito din naman makikita ang araw ng pagsilang ng mga naging bunga, gayon din ang kamatayan ng ilan sa kanila,” (It is listed here where the names of the fruits of the union of Tanseco at Isabel Fajardo that was held on March 2, 1905. It is here also the births of their birth and even their death of some of them are also listed)”.

Casa MESA
In Barangay Bambang, the “Casa Mesa”(MESA for “MEneses and SAlonga”) house of Natividad Meneses and Moises Salonga, parents of Fr. Domingo “Memeng” Salonga that was built in 1949 remain existing today despite reconstruction made in 2002. It continue to preserve today the original woods of the old house, the windows, tiles and still keep today its old artistic designs, paintings and sculpture images of the saints.

Samonte house
In Barangay Taliptip,a World War II built house of couple Faustino and Lourdes (Odeng) Samonte is still preserved today by their grandchildren, one of whom is retired Bulacan Provincial Prosecutor Renato Samonte Jr.

Bulakan’s outstanding sons and daughters
Also in the calendar were Bulacan’s outstanding sons and daughters-Carmen De Luna, a pioneer in woman education who co-founded the Centro Escolar University; Pedro Serrano Laktaw, a Tagalog writer and poet who made the Spanish-Tagalog and Tagalog-Spanish dictionary; Anacleto Enriquez, a revolutionary known as “Matang Lawin” who led the Battle in San Rafael Church, Cipriana “Da Panang” Gonzales, a philanthropist and women leader in Barangay Bambang who was behind the construction of churches and schools in Bambang. Fr. Mariano Sevilla who established the Flores De Mayo tradition in honor of the Virgin Mary. He was also a writer, a poet and a political leader who was expelled by the Spaniards is also featured in the calendar.

A 500 year old document
A 1691 will of Dona Juana Manahin, widow of Don Bernabe Aliguid, from a rich family in Barangay Bambang which document is still being further studied and researched by Prof. Regalado Trota Jose which Martin describes demonstrated the rich culture, language of the Filipinos during the early times.

Fishing tool and aquaculture plant
Dampalit, an aquaculture vegetable, continues to be harvested in Bulakan’s coastal areas and sold in the market. It is best made as a salad dressing. Baklad is a form of fish trap used by fishermen.

Bulacan First District Rep. Danilo Domingo had filed House Bill 7161 “Ac Act Establishing a Heritage Zone within the Municipality of Bulakan, Province of Bulacan” in Congress in February this year to help ensure that all the vital history, culture and heritage of the town will be reserved while the town converts itself into a premier city in the country and in the world because of the New Manila International Airport.

Kabesera President Gemma Santos said under this law, the municipal government of Bulakan will have to create heritage ordinances.

Cultural mapping and heritage ordinance and district
The municipal government, church, socio-civic groups, private companies and the local heritage group Kabesera Inc. have just completed the cultural mapping of all the historical and cultural structures, symbols, beliefs and traditions, illustrious personalities, food and fishing practices being a coastal town near the mouth of Manila Bay.

More than 100 old structures, traditions,cultures,beliefs and practices are now recorded as part of the rich heritage of the town as the old capital of the province as a result of the cultural mapping.

Kabesera Chairman former Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Fortunato Dele Pena said preserving the rich history, culture and tradition of Bulakan is necessary as the town will be the core of advancement and modernization when the airport operates three to four years from now. 

Need for an ordinance and a heritage district

In a recent forum, Ivan Anthony Henares, Secretary General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) National Commission of the Philippines said further protection and conservation of the more than century old houses and other rich heritage will need the establishment of a heritage district through the creation of local ordinances.

Henares said the local ordinance will be the first line of defense in helping preserve all the old and significant structures in one locality.

The ordinance also included incentives to the owners of the houses like exemption to the real estate tax provided that they will help in the restoration and not allow any dismantling or sale of their properties.”Hindi na nagbabayad ng amelyar ang mga may ari- ng heritage houses basta hindi nila gigibain ang bahay, iyan ang isa sa mga nakasaan sa ordinance. First line of defense para proteksiyunan ang mga century old houses ang magkaroon ng local ordinances at magdeklara ng heritage district,” Henares said. 

Also part of that ordinance is the conservation guidelines which set the parameters of how the old structures–like the different parts of the old houses should be preserved and protected, the UNESCO Secretary general added.

He also cited Vigan even as the City of Malolos, the current capital of the province which had already created their respective local ordinances protecting their rich heritage.

BOCAUE, Bulacan—The new year last minute “sell like hot cake” tradition of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in this considered fireworks capital of the country records a huge bang this year as buyers flock the stalls just a few hours before the new year revelry.

Until Sunday morning and on Saturday night, just like the previous years, Turo Pyro Zones went to MacArthur highway and Sta. Maria clogged in traffic as hundreds of last minute buyers from different places in and out of Bulacan rushed in to bring home packs and pieces of what they will light in welcoming 2024.

Fifty five year old Nelson Managuelod from Angadanan, Isabela stopped in a fireworks stall in Bocaue on Friday and bought P1,500 worth of pyrotechnics (pailaw) like luces, fountains for his grandchildren in Manila. On Saturday, when he and his family will head back home to Isabela, he will have volume of aerial shots and pailaw for their family in the province to welcome the new year.

“Tradisyon na natin itong mga Filipino tuwing bagong taon, kahit mahal ang bilihin, ito ang masaya nating pansalubong sa bagong taon,” (It is already our tradition as Filipinos every new year even though prices of basic commodities are high. This is our way of joyfully welcoming the new year), he told NEWS CORE.

Michael Relucio, 36, from City of San Jose del Monte had P2,600 worth of pailaw as his “yearly panata””.  “Since I was 15 years old, I always see to it that we will light these pyrotechnics in welcoming the new year,” he said.

John Tapiador, a wood curving worker in Calumpit town bought P1,500 pieces of pailaw for his family in Betis, Pampanga. “I came here to buy these products for our family just before I go home to our place in Betis. Every year, I spent this much for the pyrotechnics. I really spare this amount to light our welcoming of the new year,” he told NEWS CORE.

For horn-shaped trumphet (torotot) seller in Turo  Bocaue Pyrozone, fifty year old  Lorelyn Ardiente, sales of fireworks is brisk every year. This year, she said, she noticed the same buyers from Ilocos, Quezon and mostly from Metro Manila came to buy volumes of fireworks.

“Malakas ang benta nila dito, halos taun-taon naman, malakas basta pang bagong taon malakas kaya nga nagtitinda kami ng torotot dito dahil sa dami ng tao, baka mapansin din ang produkto namin,” she said.

Joven Ong, president of Philippine Fireworks Association and president and CEO of Dragon Fireworks, manufacturer of different types of pyrotechnics (pailaw) particularly aerial shots reminded everyone not to patronize illegal firecrackers and look only for products with Philippine Standard (PS) mark for quality brands that have been known for years.

Ong said there is a 40 percent drop in the sales of fireworks this year due enough supply.

Sales of firecracker and pyrotechnics have been round the clock or 24 hours since on Christmas Day or seven days before the new year celebration as buyers from different places in the country particularly from Metro Manila, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Cavite, Ilocos, Pangasinan rushed to the stalls here for volume of purchase.

Compared to last year, Lea Alapide president of Philippine Pyrotechnic Manufacturers and Dealers Inc. (PPMDAI) explained, there is enough supply of chemicals and other materials needed for the production this year which assures a similarly high volume of available market supply.

The regular aerial shots pyrotechnic or “pailaw” dropped to its original 2021 price of P1,300-1.500 compared to 2,500-P3,000 prices last year.

According to Farinas, they now see an over-supply in fireworks products due to the volume of produce brought by the ease in the importation of the chemicals.

In 2022, because of the continued pandemic restrictions, there was no ample supply of imported chemicals used in the manufacture of fireworks products.

The 16 shots aerial fireworks priced at P3,500 last year are only at P1,500 today. The kwitis at P12.00 per piece last year is only P6.00 per piece today.  The P1,000 worth 1,000 rounds of sawa last year is only at P550 this year. The P10,000 worth 10,000 rounds last year is now only P5,000.

Farinas just like any other stores began round the clock 24 hours sales starting on Dec. 25 Christmas Day where they expect the New Year revelry sales to kick off.

Based on tradition, volume of sales starts on Christmas Day and or Dec. 26, just the day following the Christmas Day itself where the people are already done celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and are already focused on celebrating the coming new year.

”The sales has been slow these past few days. People were focused on buying food. But we expect the high volume to begin today and or tomorrow. This year, manufacturers produced enough supply. It assured the public of stable supply and low to regular prices and not with commanding high prices similar to last year,” Farinas told Inquirer at her stall on Monday, Dec. 26.

However, she said, because there will be no high demand, the amount of prices are regulated and dealers cannot sell commanding high prices.

But for Teresa Diocson, 19, from City of San Jose del Monte, store attendant at Alba Mendoza Majik Fireworks also in Turo, their sales have been good already since December 10 and that not all  the prices of the fireworks products dropped.

She said the mini aerial which was sold last year at P800 is now priced at P1,000.

The fountains she said, particularly “Batibot”at P35.00 each today increased to P10.00 from P25.00 last year while other fountains did not increase and remained at P60.00.

The kwitis last year however at P900.00 per 100 pieces bundle is now P800.

According to Alapide, they expect a high volume of sales until the last minute or until Dec. 31.

Except during the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 when there were slump in sales, the welcoming of the new year is the once a year spotlight for the Bocaue fireworks industry where nearly a hundred stalls operate and sell the finished products from manufacturers in Sta. Maria, Baliwag, San Ildefonso, San Rafael and Norzagaray.

BOCAUE, Bulacan—Last minute manufacture of illegal firecrackers in welcoming the new year continues despite relentless calls and warnings made by the authorities.

Joel Castro, 39 was arrested by the police at around 3:30 pm in his house in Sitio Bihunan, Barangay Biñang 1st on Saturday. 

With no license to produce firecrackers and pyrotechnics, Castro was caught in the act making illegal firecrackers Atomic Bomb and Plapla. 

Seized from him were 1 pack unfinished Atomic Bomb (90 pcs), 1 tray of Crying Cow (30 pcs), 1 sack Plapla (150 pcs) and other firecracker materials worth around 7,500.00. Crying Cow however, is not a prohibited firecracker product. 

On Friday in Barangay Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria town seized from a 31 year old unlicensed maker were 200 pieces of ‘kwitis’, 40 pieces of unfinished ‘fountain’, 30 pieces of cylinder ‘fountain’, 100 pieces of unfinished ‘kwitis’, and 1/4 gallon of unfinished ‘sawa’ worth P10,000. 

On Dec. 23, the police seized 2 large pieces of Judas Belt, 4 packs of Kabasi, (10 pieces each pack), 4 packs of Plapla (10 pieces each pack), 10 pieces of KIngkong and other paraphernalias used in the manufacture of firecracker from a 38 year old fly-by-night maker in Sitio Bihunan, Barangay Binang 1st in this town.

Chief PNP PGen Benjamin Acorda Jr., earlier warned manufacturers, dealers and the public of the production, sales and use of prohibited firecrackers when he inspected fireworks stalls in this fireworks capital of the country on Friday. 

Axorda assured the industry and the public of the police responsibility in ensuring their safety, security and protection during an inspection in fireworks stalls in Turo Pyro Zone area.

Gov. Daniel Fernando, chairman of Bulacan Provincial Pyrotechnic Board has earlier ordered all barangay captains in the manufacturing towns of Sta. Maria, Bocaue, Baliwag, San Ildefonso, San Rafael and other towns to inspect all residential areas for possible backyard manufacture of illegal fireworks products. 

He said the recent cases of explosions in Bulacan were in the manufacture of prohibited fireworks. 

Acorda and Fernando, Vice Gov. Alexis Castro joined by Police Region 3 Director PBGen Jose Hidalgo Jr. and Bulacan police director Col. Relly Arnedo showed the media the samples of prohibited firecrackers under RA 7183, the laws on manufacture, sales and distribution of firecracker and pyrotechnics such as Watusi, Piccolo, big Five Star, Plapla, Lolo Thunder, Giant Whistle Bomb, Atomic Bomb, Atomic Triangle, large size Judas Belt, Goodbye Delima, Hello Columbia, Goodbye Napoles, Super Yolanda, Mother Rockets, Kwiton, Super Lolo, Goodbye Bading, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden. Coke-in-Can, Pillbox and Kabasi.

Bulacan police on its most recent anti-illegal firecracker operations on Friday in Barangay Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria town seized from a 31 year old unlicensed maker 200 pieces of ‘kwitis’, 40 pieces of unfinished ‘fountain’, 30 pieces of cylinder ‘fountain’, 100 pieces of unfinished ‘kwitis’, and 1/4 gallon of unfinished ‘sawa’ worth P10,000. 

On Dec. 23, the police seized 2 large pieces of Judas Belt, 4 packs of Kabasi, (10 pieces each pack), 4 packs of Plapla (10 pieces each pack), 10 pieces of KIngkong and other paraphernalias used in the manufacture of firecracker from a 38 year old fly-by-night maker in Sitio Bihunan, Barangay Binang 1st in this town.

Arnedo said charges of violation to R.A. 7183, the laws on manufacture, sales and distribution of fireworks, had been filed against the arrested.

Lea Alapide, president of Philippine Pyrotechnic Manufacturers and Dealers Inc. (PPMDAI) said all firecrackers which are overweight or oversized or more than what is prescribed under RA 7183, which is more than 0.2 grams or more than 1/3tespoon in explosive chemical content, are prohibited.

Also not allowed to be sold are all imported finished firecracker and pyrotechnic products that contain fuel and oxidizing agent; including all unlabelled locally-made products; firecrackers with mixture of phosphorous and/or sulfur with that of chlorates including “Boga,” a household improvised cracker using huge water plastic pipe that produced a huge bang.    

Alapide also said that manufacture, sales and distribution of fireworks products by any unlicensed manufacturers are also strictly not allowed under RA 7183 including fireworks that are transported without “Permit to Transport” to any manufacturer or dealer and persons transporting more than 1,000 kilograms of finished products. However, the proof of purchase shall be sufficient from the registered dealer or manufacturer if the finished products to be transported are less than 1,000 kilograms, Section 6, Rule III, of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7183 states.

According to Acorda, Bocaue, is the epitome of new year celebration because of its fireworks heritage, history, artistry and craftsmanship and being the fireworks mecca of the Philippines and its is the duty of the police to ensure the safety of every stakeholder while also nurturing our cultural tradition. “The law here is to protect this industry while ensuring safety and security of the people, the buying and using public,” Arcoda told the media. 

“There are those who lose their lives because of these. We need this inspection. We want to make sure buyers and sellers will be safe. Ang PNP ay nandito, Tagapangalaga ng kasiyahan at kaligtasan ng lahat ,” he added.

According to the Chief PNP, he once personally moonlighted as a fireworks seller during his college days in Mapua Institute before going home to his place in Northern Luzon. He said, having a public nurse mother, he also has personal encounters with victims of fireworks explosion who came to their house for treatment during new year revelry as hospitals and clinics were already closed. 

Acorda however expressed elation the current statistics showed a low figure on fireworks explosion incidents. 

Fernando recognized the work and efforts of the police in going after illegal manufacturers and dealers because their actions protect the thousands of people dependent for livelihood on the fireworks industry as legal manufacturers.

He had also sent a communication to Lazada and Shopee not to allow and accommodate sales of illegal fireworks. 

Fernando also called on private gun handler and owners not to fire their guns during new year celebration. “Nakikiusap ako sa ating mga private gun handlers and owners na huwag kayong magpaputok ng baril, mahalaga ang buhay ng tao, hindi ninyo alam kung ano at sino ang tatamaan ninyo,” he said. 

Acorda said he will not order all the policemen this year to cover the muzzle of their firearms to  encourage self-discipline and accountability to show to the Filipino people that they themselves are the first line of obedient citizens.