Mayor John Dalipe Monday morning led the destruction of 332 illegal open pipe motorcycle mufflers, several boxes of firecrackers including boga, a homemade cannon, and other confiscated items in a public ceremony held after the flag raising ceremony in front of City Hall.

To manifest commitment to public safety and security, Dalipe personally maneuvered a road roller to flatten the illegal mufflers while the assorted firecrackers were soaked in water during the ceremony organized by the City Administrator’s Office and the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO).

The items destroyed were confiscated in various operations conducted by the different police stations and operating units as well as by the City Hall COMPAC and Task Force Ordinance, on the basis of national and local laws the past months until the holiday season. Aside from illegal mufflers and firerackers, the items included cellphones, cellphone batteries, pellet guns and plastic pistols and several others.

Mayor Dalipe has urged law enforcement authorities to continue without let-up all campaigns against illegal activities and in compliance with national and local laws, as he thanked them for their efforts to sustain peace and tranquility in this part of the country.

Joining the mayor during the ceremony were City Administrator Retired Gen. Mario Yanga, City Police Director Col. Alex Lorenzo and some department heads.

The illegal modified mufflers, which amplify engine noise are considered illegal and are subjects of operation by police authorities. On the other hand, illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics are banned under Executive Order 569 issued by Dalipe.

The destruction in public view activity is a yearly undertaking of the City Government and the police. (Sheila Covarrubias)