Surge in Firecracker Purchases in Bocaue as Filipinos Gear Up for New Year Celebrations

In the run-up to New Year’s Eve, Bocaue in Bulacan, known as the fireworks capital of the Philippines, saw a surge in firecracker sales despite official warnings. Buyers flocked to the area, drawn by the lower prices and discounts on firecrackers, which are a traditional part of the New Year celebrations in the Philippines.

Safety measures were put in place at the stalls, with the presence of roving police, fire extinguishers, and containers of water to mitigate any fire hazards. Stall owners also mentioned that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were coordinating with them, particularly to enforce no smoking rules near the stalls.

Furthermore, the PNP is actively cracking down on the sale of illegal firecrackers across the country. Recent operations led to the confiscation of over 34,000 illegal firecrackers, indicating a significant effort to regulate and control the sale of fireworks for public safety.

The traditional use of firecrackers during New Year celebrations in the Philippines, while culturally significant, has raised concerns about safety and public health, leading to the enforcement of stricter regulations and safety protocols.