The Talomo Police Station continues its search and investigation for the identities of individual or individuals responsible for lighting fireworks in Bangkal, Davao City on New Year’s Eve.
The Firecracker Ban has been implemented in Davao City in accordance with Davao City Ordinance 060-02 Series of 2002 and Republic Act No. 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in the Philippines.
According to Capt. Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), the police already talked to children and residents of the area regarding the incident.
A video of the fireworks display was uploaded and shared online by a netizen.
According to the ordinance, first-time offenders will be punished with P1,000 fine or 20 to 30 days imprisonment, or both; second-time offenders will be fined P3,000 or one to three months imprisonment, or both; and third-time offenders will be fined P5,000 or imprisonment for three to six months, or both.
“So far padayon gihapon sila sa pag-conduct og investigation. Naningkamot gihapon ang atoang Police Station 3 para ma identity kining individual or mga individuals nga nag-fireworks diha sa may area sa Bangkal. Naa ta’y mga nakuha nga mga statement sa mga bata pero atoa pa’ng ginapalawoman ang atoang investigation para ma-ila gyud nato kung kinsa to’ng nag-firework diha sa Bangkal,” she said.
Based on the initial report of the Talomo Police Starion, the fireworks display took place in Block 4, Lot 25, Phase 1, NHA Bangkal, Davao City.
The Talomo police reported that at the site, investigators observed a visible dark spot on the road, indicating recent burning.
“However, no tube launcher or housing materials were found, leading the officers to believe that the equipment had been intentionally removed to leave no trace after the fireworks display,” Talomo Police Station said in a statement.
Meanwhile, DCPO reported that a total of 168 lantaka/buga (cannons) were confiscated during the holiday revelry.
Tuazon reported that between December 13 and January 1, a total of 132 improvised firecrackers known as “lantaka” and “boga” were seized from violators and a total of 69 “lantaka” were also confiscated on New Year’s Eve.
The city government of Davao is prohibiting the use of these lantakas under City Ordinance 060-02, which prohibits the use of improvised pyrotechnics, including lantakas, in the city.
Tuazon said majority of lantaka users were minors.
She added that they have coordinated with the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) and sent the minors to the social workers in the designated barangays to meet with their parents’ attention and offer guidance.
“Bisan pa’g nahumana ang bag-ong tuig, naga-monitor gihapon ang atoang stations kay naa gihapon guro’y magpabuto kay naa pa’y mga lantaka,” Tuazon said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).
On the other hand, DCPO reported that the Christmas and New Year celebrations in Davao City were generally peaceful with zero casualties.
Tuazon said there was no reported case of casualties due to firecrackers and indiscriminate firing in Davao City.
