Some P100,000 worth of illegal firecrackers in Binondo, Manila, were seized by elements of Manila Police District (MPD) as they implemented a more intensified campaign against illegal firecrackers before the year 2009 came to close.

Police Superintendent Nelson Yabut, station commander of MPD Station 11 (Binondo), said in a telephone interview that he has instructed his men to conduct massive confiscations of dangerous and prohibited firecrackers as part of MPD's campaign to encourage safe means of greeting the New Year.

Among the firecrackers that has been considered illegal under Republic Act 7183 known as “An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices" includes Watusi, Lolo Thunder, Pla-Pla, Judas Belt, and Piccolo.

"As of this time, our campaign against illegal firecrackers is still going on. This will continue until tomorrow (January 1) when people are starting to clean up the mess during the New Year revelry," Yabut said in an interview.

Yabut said they started their campaign with a motorcade around the Binondo district to inform the public on the ill-effects of using firecrackers not only to the people but also to the community and environment.

The police officers quickly swooped down on the key market areas of Divisoria, Recto, and Juan Luna and immediately confiscated the banned pyrotechnic items, both locally and foreign made, worth P146,289.

Authorities likewise discovered a new firecracker called "Shotgun" which according to Yabut could be fatal to kids if they get their hands on it.

The so-called shotgun, which is illegally traded in the flea market for P150, is a Chinese made pyrotechnic product that looks like a real shotgun that needs to be loaded with a ammunition-like load before firing it up in the air.

"This is the new discovery that our men made during the seizure of firecrackers. Actually when someone accidentally fired it in the ceiling of our police station it busted the flourescent lights above," he said.

Meanwhile, the Manila Police District director, Chief Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay, gave the order to arrest all those who will fire their guns and burn tires during the celebration of the New Year.

"Burning tires is prohibited and we will arrest people who will burn rubber. This is bad for the environment and it obstructs traffic. I have ordered our policemen to arrest anyone who will burn rubber in the middle of streets," he said.

He said the MPD has also launched an information campaign to ensure safety during the yearend celebrations.