The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced that 26,606 pieces of confiscated illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices worth around P1.4 million will be destroyed early next year.
NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin inspected the seized items Wednesday morning at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
A tally from the NCRPO Civil Security Unit (CSU) showed the Southern Police District accounted for the largest share with 19,310 pieces worth P620,222.
Other confiscations included the Northern Police District with 1,694 pieces worth P467,521, Manila Police District with 250 pieces worth P124,877.50, Eastern Police District with 2,252 pieces worth P121,675, Quezon City Police District with 2,594 pieces worth P42,297, and 506 pieces worth P38,952 from the CSU.
The CSU said the confiscated firecrackers and pyrotechnics will be destroyed on January 7 at a facility in Rizal province.
Eleven individuals have been arrested so far across Metro Manila for selling banned firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Aberin reported that one person has died while 27 others were injured so far in Metro Manila due to firecrackers and pyrotechnics.
Authorities continue to warn the public against using illegal firecrackers and urged strict compliance with safety regulations during New Year celebrations.