The EcoWaste Coalition, a vigilant environmental group, has thrown its weight behind the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) intensified campaign against the use of homemade ‘boga’ cannons and other illegal pyrotechnics as New Year celebrations approach. Aileen Lucero, the national coordinator of EcoWaste, praised the PNP’s efforts to confiscate and dismantle these hazardous devices, emphasizing the importance of public safety, particularly for children. She urged the public to opt for safer alternatives during the festive season to avoid injuries, toxic emissions, and environmental harm.
The coalition’s ‘Iwas Paputoxic’ campaign, ongoing since 2006, has commended the PNP’s proactive measures across the country. The Rizal Police Provincial Office (RPPO) recently reported the seizure and destruction of 402 boga devices made from PVC pipes, tin cans, and plastic bottles just days before New Year’s Eve. The RPPO has been actively educating the public about the dangers of these illegal fireworks through social media campaigns.
In a collaborative effort, the Rizal PNP, alongside the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), publicly destroyed confiscated boga. Meanwhile, the PNP is also on the hunt for individuals spreading online tutorials on how to construct boga, which have been circulating on platforms like TikTok.
Recent data from the Department of Health (DOH) highlights boga as a major contributor to firecracker-related injuries, with 86% of the 43 reported cases since December 21 linked to illegal pyrotechnics. The DOH also noted a significant increase in such injuries in January 2024, with a 98% rise from the previous year, attributing most cases to various types of fireworks including boga.
EcoWaste also raised concerns about the environmental impact of disposing boga made from PVC, which can release dangerous dioxins upon burning. These chemicals are known to cause cancer and other severe health issues, affecting multiple body systems.