VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – – The Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office (ISPPO) has intensified its visibility and operational initiatives to ensure public safety during the holiday season, particularly in preparing for the upcoming New Year’s celebration.
The ISPPO remains on heightened alert following the recent launch of the “Ligtas Paskuhan (Safe Christmas)” program, according to PLTCOL David Dulnuan, the ISPPO’s deputy provincial director for operations, in a press conference.
This heightened alert includes more frequent checkpoint operations, additional roving patrols, and an increased police presence along the national highway to enhance safety in busy areas and maintain peace throughout the province.
Additionally, the ISPPO launched its first-ever motorcade on Friday to raise public awareness about preventing accidents caused by illegal fireworks, the unlawful discharge of firearms, and other criminal activities while ensuring road safety during the holiday season.
“Last year, we held a ‘Bisekletahan’ (bicycle ride), but this year, we opted for a motorcade to expand our outreach. The motorcade was divided into two groups: the first group started from the Ilocos Sur arch in Tagudin town for the second district, while the second group began at the Badoc, Ilocos Norte-Sinait, Ilocos Sur boundary for the first district and concluded at the ISPPO,” Dulnuan said.
It was participated by officials and employees of national government agencies such as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Department of Health (DOH), Land Transportation Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Fire Protection, provincial government of Ilocos Sur, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, riding communities from the Riders Federation, Magsingal Riders Club, Genuine Ilokano Brotherhood and Auxiliary Sorority Ilocos Sur Council, different business establishments selling motorcycles, and the Provincial Support Units.
As early as November, Dulnuan added that the ISPPO began preparations to reduce the number of fireworks-related injuries in the province.
The ISPPO conducted seminars in which two police officers from each police station participated to train them in identifying illegal fireworks, such as “boga” (improvised cannons), “Super Lolo,” and others, noting that not all fireworks are illegal.
He said, “Our intervention also involves intense monitoring, especially for those selling fireworks online. Our cyber patrol is actively monitoring online sellers. In the province, each town and city has designated firecracker zones where sales are allowed. Additionally, imported firecrackers are prohibited.”
As of Dec. 27, a total of 216 improvised cannons have been confiscated and destroyed in the province.
Dulnuan assured that police personnel will continue their operations to minimize harm, especially among children.
He also urged the public to report any individuals involved in indiscriminate firing to the barangay information networks or local barangay officials, who can assist the ISPPO in addressing these issues.
The DOH Regional Yuletide Injury Surveillance Report No. 5 recorded a total of seven cases of fireworks-related injuries in the province from December 21 to 25.
Amid these incidents, Dulnuan assured the public that the entire police force of Ilocos Sur is committed to ensuring a safe celebration of the New Year.
“We will implement all necessary interventions so that everyone can be safe. While we may not promise a zero-incident rate, we will at least strive to minimize incidents, such as vehicular traffic accidents, and we will work to further reduce those numbers,” he ended. (AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
