PRO Calabarzon intensifies security, destroys confiscated illegal firecrackers

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Police Regional Office CALABARZON Regional Director PBGen Paul Kenneth T. Lucas leads the destruction of confiscated ...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Police Regional Office CALABARZON Regional Director PBGen Paul Kenneth T. Lucas leads the destruction of confiscated illegal firecrackers at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City as part of intensified enforcement efforts during the New Year period. (QPPO)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — Stepped up regionwide security operations anchored the Police Regional Office CALABARZON (Police Regional Office CALABARZON) drive to ensure a safe and orderly New Year celebration across the region on December 30, 2025. Reinforced posture addresses heightened holiday risks from heavier travel, larger public gatherings, and increased firecracker use that strain public safety and emergency response capacities.

Firecracker-related injuries and illegal pyrotechnic sales continue to pose recurring public safety concerns during New Year celebrations in the Philippines, prompting annual enforcement and prevention campaigns. PRO 4A designed its year-end operations as part of a sustained regional strategy to reduce injuries, deter illegal distribution, and manage large holiday crowds.



Regional Director PBGen Paul Kenneth T. Lucas directed a comprehensive campaign aimed at reducing injuries, preventing casualties, and stopping the sale, manufacture, and distribution of illegal firecrackers. The campaign supports the broader public safety mandate of the Philippine National Police during high-risk celebrations.

“The safety of our people remains our top priority. With the cooperation of the community and our partner agencies, we can ensure a peaceful, safe, and joyful New Year celebration,” Lucas said. He added that sustained enforcement, early action, and public cooperation help prevent injuries and maintain order during the holiday period.

PRO 4A conducted information and education drives in communities and schools and through digital platforms to explain the dangers of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices. Police units reinforced these efforts through market inspections, the creation of firecracker-free zones with local government units, and deployment in densely populated areas to support quick response.

Command leadership placed all police units in CALABARZON on full alert as part of a comprehensive security and public safety plan for the New Year period. PRO 4A deployed a total of 3,845 personnel, with support from partner agencies and additional support personnel to strengthen police presence across the region.

Police units pre-positioned personnel and vehicles in key locations to strengthen readiness, shorten response times, and ensure immediate coverage of high-risk areas. PRO 4A coordinated with health services, local governments, and partner agencies to ensure fast and effective emergency and medical response.

Police increased visibility through intensified patrols and set up PNP Assistance Desks in transport terminals, markets, churches, and other high-density public areas. Command planners adjusted deployments based on population density, traffic volume, and incident patterns from previous New Year celebrations.

PRO 4A underscored enforcement efforts through a media briefing and the destruction of confiscated illegal firecrackers at Camp BGen Vicente P. Lim. From December 16 onward, PRO CALABARZON conducted 238 operations targeting illegal firecrackers, arrested 12 suspects, and seized prohibited items valued at ₱4,803,398.

Records showed that five individuals received medical treatment for firecracker-related injuries, while police took one suspect into custody for illegally firing a gun. Authorities filed charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Provincial Police Offices across the region seized assorted illegal firecrackers and homemade pyrotechnic devices during the operations. The Regional Explosive and Canine Unit 4A disposed of additional seized materials through controlled detonation at the PRO 4A Grandstand.

“I urge the public to refrain from patronizing illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics. Let us use fireworks only in designated areas and report any information that can help stop the illegal trade of these dangerous items,” Lucas said. “Public cooperation remains critical in preventing injuries, property damage, and avoidable tragedies during the New Year celebration.”