BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The city government is urging the City Council to review existing ordinances or enact new legislation addressing the use, sale, and production of boga, an improvised PVC cannon or bamboo noise maker.
This came following reports that four out of the seven firework-related injuries during the New Year celebration were caused by these devices.
Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed gratitude to the Ilonggo community for their cooperation in ensuring a relatively peaceful and safe celebration.
The Iloilo City Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit (ICESU) recorded seven injuries from December 21, 2024, to January 1, 2025, including one case each involving homemade firecrackers, triangle, and kamara, and four cases involving boga.
Treñas emphasized the importance of minimizing preventable injuries during festive events and sustaining the low incident rate through the Feast of the Three Kings.
He credited the success to a whole-community approach involving residents, law enforcement, and volunteers.
However, the mayor raised concerns about the dangers posed by boga, particularly to children, citing reports of individuals manufacturing and selling these devices beyond the holiday season. Such actions endanger not only the users but the entire community.
To address this, Treñas announced plans to request the City Council to either amend existing ordinances or enact new legislation regulating or banning the use, sale, and production of boga.
He also called on parents, guardians, and barangay leaders to ensure children are safeguarded from these hazards.
Prior to the New Year, Treñas issued a stern warning to establishments selling the illegal boga, stressing the risks they pose to public safety.
He reminded the public that under Republic Act No. 7183 and local ordinances, the sale and use of boga are prohibited, with violators facing stringent penalties, including the immediate closure of their businesses.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), led by Colonel Kim Legada, intensified its campaign against boga, confiscating 34 illegal devices during operations on December 26.
The ICPO deployed additional patrols, established checkpoints, and coordinated with barangay officials to monitor and apprehend violators.
This initiative underscored the city government’s commitment to public safety and the prevention of injuries during celebrations./PN
