BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong led the destruction of 14,362 different types of firecrackers during the Ceremonial Destruction of Confiscated Firecrackers, Pyrotechnic Devices and Boga, at the Melvin Jones Football ground, Burnham Park, Baguio City, on January 7.

The confiscated firecrackers, worth P120,985, were from the intensified operation of the Baguio City Police Office headed by PCol.Ruel Tagel, against sellers and firecrackers users from December 23 to January 6.

It can be recalled that even before the holiday season, Magalong issued an order to be strict in catching illegal firecrackers, based on the long-standing ordinance.

He also warned barangay officials and chiefs of police of each station to explain why there are illegal firecrackers in their jurisdictions.

According to the City Health Service Office, four individuals were injured due to fireworks. The Department of Health-Cordillera recorded a total of 45 individuals injured due to fireworks in the region.