Quezon City. The efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to seize DIY boga (improvised cannon) and other illegal pyrotechnic devices as the New Year’s eve revelry nears has the full support of the toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition. “We support the ongoing efforts of our law enforcers to seize and destroy these highly dangerous improvised cannons, which can cause eye and burn injuries,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.
“For the health and safety of everyone, especially the children, we appeal to the public to shift to alternative noisemakers this festive season that will not cause bodily harm, emit toxic smoke and generate hazardous trash.” The group, which has been conducting “ Iwas Paputoxic ” drive since 2006, gave the PNP two thumbs up for the heightened efforts of police units in various parts of the country to protect the public health from dangerous boga and other pyrotechnic devices not permitted by law. The Rizal Police Provincial Office (RPPO), for example, has confiscated and destroyed 402 pieces of boga fashioned out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipes, tins cans and plastic bottles a few days before New Year’s eve.
As reported by the RPPO on its Fb page, the police force is undertaking a vigorous campaign to inform and warn the public against the use of DIY boga and other illegal firecrackers that can injure and damage human health. At a recent event, the Rizal PNP led the destruction of seized boga.