VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – The Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office (ISPPO) stepped up their information campaign against the use of illegal firecrackers in the province through the Bisikletahan 2023, a massive information drive conducted alongside a bike fun ride.
More than 200 personnel of the ISPPO, stations in nearby towns, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, civilian bikers, Regional Emergency Assistant Communication Team (REACT) members, and stakeholders cycled in Barangay Bulag, Bantay, Metro Vigan, and Caoayan town on Wednesday, December 27 for the event’s tenth year.
Information about banned firecrackers such as piccolo, Super Lolo, whistle bomb, Goodbye Earth, Atomic Big Triangulo, Judas Belt, and watusi were simultaneously announced through a speaker while the participants were cycling.
The firecracker ban was mandated by Executive Order No. 28, series of 2017, which regulates and controls the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, recommending instead the conduct of community fireworks displays to lessen the risk of injuries.
The Bisikletahan was led by PCOL Darnell Dulnuan, acting provincial director of the ISPPO, with the theme: “Kampanya Kontra Iligal na Paputok para sa Mapayapang Pagsalubong ng Bagong Taon”.
Participants in the Bisikletahan 2023 in Ilocos Sur pose for a photo before cycling around Bantay, Metro Vigan, and Caoayan. (Photo from Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office)
Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection Ilocos Sur joins the BIsikletahan 2023 campaign against use of illegal firecrackers. (Photo from BFP)
It aims to heighten awareness of the public about the hazards of illegal firecrackers to attain a safer and healthier festive season.
The cyclists and the uniformed personnel who joined the massive information campaign also signed a pledge of commitment to uphold the ideals of the campaign.
PCOL Dulnuan expressed his gratitude to all the participants, especially to the stakeholders and advocacy support groups, and asked for their continued support to the initiatives of the PNP.
He said, “This endeavor would not become possible without the help and active support of the community. This is a manifestation that peace and order as well as security and safety is a shared responsibility between the PNP and the community.”
Moreover, police stations in upland municipalities also conducted the Bisikletahan in their jurisdictions.
PCPT Medward Galay, Sigay station’s officer-in-charge said, “Ipinapaalala ng Philippine National Police ang kahalagahan ng kaayusan at seguridad.”
“Ito ang panahon ng pagsasama-sama ng mga pamilya, at ito rin ang panahon upang mas lalo tayong mag-ingat at maging extra-vigilant. Ang kapulisan naman, laging nandiyan na nakaalerto,” Galay said.
Meanwhile, the ISPPO reported that there has been no record of any use of illegal firecrackers as of Thursday, December 28. (JCR/AMB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)
