We will not be seeing the fireworks display in December.
In its meeting earlier today, the Inugyunay Festival Committee declared the fireworks show as a no-go after receiving recommendation from PNP and AFP-Joint Task Force Talakudong to cancel it on security reasons.
In a joint letter sent to the city government by Chief of Police Supt. Joefel Siason and JTF Talakudong Commander Col. Efren Baluyot, they stated that their recommendation for cancellation of the fireworks show is based on their assessment of the present security threat in the city and surrounding areas.
Aside from Tacurongnons, hundreds of people from neighboring municipalities are converging on the streets of the city for the fireworks display every 23rd of December. At least 10,000 people are witnessing the spectacle each year.
Supt. Siason said they do not want this gathering to be taken advantage of those who want to sabotage peace and order.
Mayor Lina Montilla said that as much as the city government wants to have the fireworks, it is important to abide by the advice of the authorities.
Meanwhile, the Inugyunay festival committee said that other events will still push through such as the nightly presentations, light-a-tree contest, pasine sa paskwa, and parol-making contest.
Tourism Officer Emelie Jamorabon assured the people that the city’s Christmas festival will still be spectacular despite not having the annual fireworks display. (ASFreno, LGU Information)