- Police already have a name behind New Year’s Eve fireworks
FOLLOWING a thorough investigation, the Davao City Police Office has identified a suspect in the illegal fireworks display in NHA Bangkal, Talomo District on New Year’s Eve.
The incident, which was initially reported after a video surfaced went viral, showed fireworks being ignited in apparent violation of City Ordinance No. 060-02, which prohibits the use of firecrackers.
Police responded to the scene on Jan. 1, finding evidence of fireworks having been set off but no witnesses or suspects were immediately identified.
However, a follow-up investigation led by PEMS Harold Delima yielded crucial new information.
Two witnesses came forward, providing details that pinpointed the exact location of the fireworks display and identified the suspect as a businessman from Surigao del Norte, known only as “Botyok.”
According to the witnesses, Botyok was seen carrying a backpack to a riprap along the riverbank shortly before midnight on New Year’s Eve. He then proceeded to ignite a pyrotechnic device, despite attempts by the witnesses to dissuade him.
Police recovered fragments of fireworks from the riprap, corroborating the witnesses’ accounts.
“This progress highlights the commitment of Police Station 3 to conducting thorough investigations,” DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon said.
Authorities are now preparing to a file charge against Botyok for violating the city’s fireworks ordinance.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
