By Jennifer P. Rendon
Police operatives in Iloilo City confiscated 225 improvised noise-making devices, locally known as boga, and 25 illegal firecrackers during a six-day operation conducted by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
The operations, carried out from December 28, 2024, to January 2, 2025, resulted in the seizure of items valued at PHP 14,500.
Records show Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 3 posted the highest number of boga seizures with 39 units, while ICPS 7 led in confiscating illegal firecrackers.
The breakdown of boga confiscation by station is as follows: ICPS 1, 29 units; ICPS 2, 19; ICPS 4, 35; ICPS 5, 23; ICPS 6, 10; ICPS 7, 14; ICPS 8, 17; ICPS 9, 19; ICPS 10, 7; and the Mobile Patrol Unit, 13.
Iloilo City police chief Colonel Kim Legada said the ICPO’s efforts contributed to a significant reduction in firecracker-related incidents during the New Year celebrations.
The Iloilo City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ICESU) reported 11 fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) in the city, with four attributed to boga.
To promote safer alternatives, the ICPO also launched the “Torotot Baylo Boga” campaign, encouraging the use of party horns (torotot) instead of dangerous devices like boga.
“These accomplishments reflect our commitment to public safety and community engagement,” Legada said.
“Through the collective efforts of our personnel, local government units, and the community, we ensured a safer and more peaceful New Year celebration,” he added.
