ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 9 -- Local authorities on Monday destroyed unauthorized modified motorcycle mufflers, firecrackers and other illegally sold items seized during the Yuletide season here.

Mayor John Dalipe drove a road roller over 332 open pipe mufflers, second-hand mobile phones, and other illegal items in front of the city hall.

Confiscated illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics were also soaked in a container of water.

Dalipe earlier ordered the local police to confiscate open pipe mufflers following mounting complaints from residents about public disturbance by motorcycles.

Meanwhile, the city's "Task Force Ordinance" was also ordered to seize illegally sold items along the sidewalks.

"The destruction is to send a strong messag...