BANGUED, Abra (PIA) — Filipinos are becoming creative in welcoming the new year as authorities ban the use of most traditional firecrackers due to recorded injuries in the past years.
While many Abrenians celebrate new year in a safe way, people reported that more children along the streets are again using the “boga,” a handcrafted cannon made out of a PVC pipe and electric igniter, which is among the top causes of firecracker-related injuries every year.
Abra Police Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU) Head PLtCol. Daniel Pel-ey assured that the Municipal Police Stations are in close coordination with the barangay local government units (BLGU) to enforce the ban on boga.
“Sa part ng law enforcement, patuloy ang aming patrol and we also tasked ang mga barangay tanod na mag-confiscate ng mga boga kung makita nila ‘yong mga bata na gumagamit,” said Pel-ey.
He warned that parents and guardians will be liable for the actions of their minor children who continue to using boga after being warned.
He also appealed for the cooperation of the communities to inform the police about safety concerns with the upcoming Christmas and new year.
“I would like to solicit your help, yung mga gusto niyong iparating sa amin, itawag niyo lang sa amin at sa mga MPS natin, we will be ready to respond,” Pel-ey assured.
Abra Deputy Provincial Fire Marshall FInsp. Ronin Razote emphasized the danger of using boga as there are no safety inspections conducted for it.
“When it comes to boga, di po natin masasabing safe yan kasi sa paggawa and pag-improvise, hindi dumaan yan sa safety inspections. So better use the safe alternatives such as torotot and busina ng kotse,” Razote said.
The Abra Police Provincial Office also assured adequate manpower to conduct patrol among all towns to deter persons who indiscriminately discharge their firearms during New Year’s Eve. (CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra)
