Banned firecrackers seized in N. Samar port

The banned firecracker “piccolo”  (INQUIRER file photo)

TACLOBAN CITY – Boxes of “piccolo,” a prohibited firecracker, were seized by authorities in port in Allen, Northern Samar on Thursday.

Lt. Paterno Belarmino, Philippine Coast Guard – Northern Samar chief, said the contraband, transported in a 10-wheeler van and placed in 10 boxes, were confiscated by his men during an inspection at the Santa Clara port in Barangay Jubasan, Allen town.

Belarmino, in a phone interview, said the driver and his two companions came from Calamba, Laguna and on their way to Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay to deliver the prohibited firecrackers.

The driver and his companions, however, did not identify the shipper of the contraband, but showed the mobile phone number of the person who was supposed to contact them in Ipil.

Belarmino said the supposed contact person in Ipil could no longer be reached.

The driver and his companions were released by the Coast Guard since they appeared to have no knowledge of the contraband shipment.

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