In a decisive move to uphold peace and order, the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) publicly destroyed a cache of illegal and hazardous devices confiscated during the recent holiday season.
Public Destruction of Hazardous Items
The destruction activity was held on Saturday, January 10, at the ZCPO grounds along Don Pablo Lorenzo Street in Zone 4, Zamboanga City. The event was conducted in full public view to demonstrate transparency and the authorities' firm commitment to community safety.
Police Colonel Fidel Fortaleza Jr., the ZCPO director, stated that the items were seized during intensified law enforcement operations throughout the holiday period. The haul consisted of more than a hundred improvised cannons, locally known as "boga," and numerous improvised mufflers.
Serious Risks to Public Safety
Authorities emphasized that these devices are not mere nuisances but pose genuine threats. Police Colonel Narciso Paragas, the deputy director for operations of the Police Regional Office–Zamboanga Peninsula, issued a stern warning.
"Boga are not toys and open or modified mufflers pose serious hazards capable of causing injury, panic, and disturbance in communities," Paragas said. The operation was conducted in strict compliance with existing laws and local ordinances that regulate noise pollution, traffic safety, and public order.
Leadership Support for a Safer City
The event highlighted strong inter-agency cooperation and leadership support. Aside from Colonel Paragas, the destruction was witnessed by retired Police Brigadier General Edwin De Ocampo, the executive assistant on traffic management.
This public display underscores the ZCPO's unwavering stance against the possession and use of illegal devices. It serves as a clear reaffirmation of the police force's dedication to protecting lives and fostering a safer, more disciplined environment for all residents of Zamboanga City.
