ILOILO CITY: The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) is set to propose a resolution to the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) urging local government units to enact ordinances prohibiting the use of 'boga' during New Year's Eve festivities. The move comes in response to a rising number of injuries attributed to the use of the improvised cannon.
According to Philippines News Agency, from December 16 to 30, PRO-6 recorded 41 incidents of fireworks-related injuries, with 25 of these linked to the use of boga and the remainder resulting from firecrackers. Iloilo reported the highest number of boga-related injuries with 13 cases, followed by Negros Occidental with five, Capiz with three, and Antique and Guimaras with two each.
"We are the highest nationwide, although I have yet to see the whole incident. But I received a call that we are the highest on firecracker incidents," stated PRO-6 Director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky during a ceremonial destruction of confiscated and surrendered firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices, and boga at Camp Martin Delgado headquarters. In the absence of a specific ordinance, Wanky emphasized the necessity of confiscating boga due to its inherent dangers.
By December 29, PRO-6 had seized 1,700 prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, alongside 426 boga units. Some of these were destroyed during the ceremonial event. Brig. Gen. Wanky encouraged the public to adopt alternative, safer methods of celebrating the New Year, such as using torotot (trumpets) and traditional noise-making instruments like clanging cans.
The police are intensifying efforts to prevent the use of boga, with barangay officials and watchmen enlisted to monitor compliance in their areas. Wanky also issued safety advisories, urging the public to refrain from illegal firearm discharge, remain vigilant against crime, and prepare for potential emergencies.
Separately, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office reported 18 cases of fireworks-related injuries from December 21 to the morning of December 30. Most victims were children, with 12 aged 10 years or younger, five aged 11 to 20, and one aged 21 to 39. The injuries predominantly involved eye trauma, while six cases were blast injuries without amputation.
