In a proactive move to safeguard the community during New Year’s Eve celebrations, the head of the Central Visayas police force, Brig. Gen. Roy Parena, personally inspected firecracker and pyrotechnic stalls in Cebu City. The inspections, carried out on December 31, 2024, were aimed at verifying that vendors adhered to safety standards and local regulations to minimize the risk of accidents related to fireworks.
Parena’s inspection included checks on the correct labeling of products, the safety of storage conditions, and adherence to the legal frameworks that govern the sale of fireworks. ‘Our goal is to ensure that safety protocols are in place to protect both the sellers and the buyers,’ Parena stated, emphasizing the importance of these measures.
Beyond the stalls, Parena also supervised the strategic placement of police officers along major thoroughfares where crowds were expected to gather for the festivities. He stressed the preparedness of the police force to handle crowd management and respond effectively to any emergencies that might arise.
Following the inspections at the fireworks stalls, Parena extended his oversight to public markets and transportation hubs. His visits were focused on assessing the security arrangements for shoppers making final preparations for the ‘media noche,’ the customary New Year’s Eve dinner. During these visits, he examined the deployment of security personnel, the operational status of surveillance equipment, and the effectiveness of crowd control strategies.
Additionally, Parena took the opportunity to interact with market vendors and customers, seeking their input on the safety and security measures in place during the holiday period.