ANTIQUE: The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Antique has announced that there were no fire incidents related to firecrackers or fireworks during the Christmas and New Year festivities. This marks a significant achievement in fire safety during a period traditionally associated with heightened risk.

According to Philippines News Agency, Senior Fire Officer 1 Jefferson Cordero, who leads the Fire Safety Inspection Enforcement Section, attributed this success to the ‘Oplan Paalala Iwas Paputok’ campaign. The initiative, which commenced on December 1, focused on preventing fire-related incidents during the holiday season.

Local governments played a crucial role in the campaign’s success by imposing a ban on the sale of firecrackers in seven towns. In other areas, firecracker vendors were required to operate in designated zones, ensuring stricter control and safety measures. These efforts were supported by regular visits from Provincial Fire Marshal Superintendent Patricio Collado and other regional officials, who conducted inspections to assess readiness and compliance.

The campaign’s success highlights the effectiveness of intensified safety inspections and the essential role of community support in ensuring public safety.