Users of illegal firecrackers may face charges, too—PNP chief

SANTA ROSA, Laguna—A day before New Year’s eve celebrations, Philippine National Police chief, Director General Nicanor Bartolome warned the public that users of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic products may also face charges if caught.

Speaking to reporters during a random inspection of firecrackers trade in Bocaue, Bulacan Friday, Bartolome said that Republic Act 7183 states that the manufacturers, distributors and users of banned firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices may be imprisoned from six months to a year with a fine from P20,000 to P30,000 once caught.

He said that among others, Goodbye Philippines, Giant Plapla, Giant Lolo, Giant Bawang, Coke-in-Can Bomb, Bin Laden, Kwiton Bomb, Goodbye Bading, Kabasi, and picolo were those that have been identified as illegal firecracker products.

Bartolome, however, said that traders and manufacturers have been repacking and renaming some of their illegal products to make it visually unnoticeable to roving police officers.

“Katulad nalang ng picolo. Ni-rename nila at tinawag naman nila ngayong Boy Pacquiao Ultra Man [Just like picolo, they renamed it to Boy Pacquiao Ultra Man],” he said.

In his inspection, the PNP chief ordered local police officers from the nearby police station in Bocaue, Bulacan to close down stores Allan Ronald Fireworks and Glady’s Fireworks, after being caught selling illegal firecracker products.

Bartolome said that illegal products are those that have exceeded the limit of .2 grams, or 1/3 of a teaspoon.

Eleven stores have been closed down in Bocaue alone for violating RA 7183, he said.

Bartolome, also reiterated his appeal to just celebrate New Year the traditional way, like playing music and making noises using other materials aside from firecrackers that may cause harm to people, especially to children.