LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Laoag City Police Station is on heightened alert status in anticipation of the New Year celebration to ensure peace and order in the city.
Over the past week, the Laoag City police have been conducting information dissemination drives against firing guns and using illegal fireworks, inspections at firecracker vendors, night patrols, and urging residents to use alternative noisemakers to welcome 2024.
According to PMAJ Carlo Abing, deputy chief of the Laoag City Police Station, there have been some stray bullet accident cases in the past years in the city which is why, they will strengthen their patrolling come the new year.
“Sa mga Laoageños, i-commit sana natin ang ating mga sarili sa pag-report ng mga makikita natin na magpapaputok ng baril at mga gagamit at nagbebenta ng mga iligal na paputok upang matulungan kami sa pagpapanatili ng kaligtasan sa darating na salubong sa Bagong Taon,” he said.
(“For Laoag City residents, commit yourselves to report to the police if you witness somebody firing a gun in the air and those selling illegal firecrackers to help us keep the safety this upcoming New Year,” he said.)
He added that they are also starting to confiscate “bogas” or improvised canons typically made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC pipes and bamboo.
“Kung maaari, huwag nang gumamit ng paputok, marami tayong noise barrages na sinasabi gaya ng paggamit ng torotot, mga kaldero, at magpatugtog ng mga kanta sa pagsalubong sa 2024,” Abing added.
(“If possible, don’t use firecrackers, rather use noise barrage like horn, pots and pans, and play music to welcome 2024,” Abing added.)
The police officer also encouraged residents to watch the New Year fireworks show that will be initiated by the city government of Laoag as an alternative to lighting their firecrackers.
On December 31, there will be a fireworks display to be held at the Laoag City Bypass Road.
Moreover, personnel from the Laoag City Police Station, joined by the officials of the city government, signed the “Pledge of Commitment on Ligtas at Payapa na Ilocos Norte sa Pasko at Bagong Taon.”
It was aimed at promoting peace and safety for this holiday season. (JCR/AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
