The Christmas and New Year celebrations in Davao City were generally peaceful with zero casualty, according to the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).
DCPO Spokesperson PCpt. Hazel Tuazon, in an interview with the city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio, said there was no reported case of casualties due to firecrackers and indiscriminate firing in Davao City.
She said between December 13 and January 1, a total of 132 improvised firecrackers known as “lantaka” and “boga” were seized from violators. A total of 69 “lantaka” were also seized on New Year’s Eve.
She said most of the users of Lantaka were minors.
She said 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.
Tuazon added that the DCPO is currently searching for the individual or individuals in charge of the Bangkal area’s New Year’s fireworks display.
“So far padayon gihapon sila sa pag-conduct og investigation. Naningkamot gihapon ang atoang Police Station 3 para ma identitfy 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 (So far they’re still conducting an investigation. Our Police Station 3 is still trying to identify the individual or individuals who set off fireworks in the Bangkal area. Although we have talked to the children who have information, we are still investigating to determine who set off the fireworks in Bangkal),” she said.
The firecracker ban in Davao City was enacted in 2002 prohibiting the manufacturing, distribution, sale, possession, and use of pyrotechnic devices in the city.
According to the ordinance, first-time offenders will be punished with P1,000 or imprisoned for 20 to 30 days, or both; second-time offenders will be fined P3,000 or imprisoned for one to three months, or both; and third-time offenders will be fined P5,000 or imprisoned for three to six months, or both.
Tuazon said their office is still monitoring areas in Davao City since there are still people who will possibly use Lantaka even after the New Year’s Day celebration.
“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 (Even though the New Year’s celebration is over, our stations are still monitoring because there are still people who might use lantaka),” she said. CIO
