PNP: 18 arrested, so far, for illegal fireworks

Firecracker belt (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has so far arrested 18 individuals for illegal possession of fireworks.

Some of those arrested were caught selling fireworks and firecrackers online, said PNP spokesperson Col. Jean  Fajardo in a  Teleradyo interview.

“Umabot na po ng more or less ang mga nahuli natin for illegal possession, use and sale of firecrackers ay 18 po ‘yan at inaasahan nating madadagdagan po iyan, may narereceive na po tayong reports. Hinihintay nalang po natin ang official na pagdadagdag po nitong mga nakuha natin,” said Fajardo. 

(We have so far arrested 18 people for illegal possession, use and sale of firecrackers, and we are expecting that the number will increase as we are still receiving reports.)

Fajardo added that at least 64,741 pieces of assorted firecrackers with an estimated cost of over P1 million have been confiscated.

“Nagsimula na po tayong sirain ang mga nakumipska nating mga firecrackers, at binasa na po ang karamihan po diyan, at sinira na po at binaon na po para hindi na ito magamit at katuwang natin ang Bureau of Fire Protection diyan,” said Fajardo. 

(We have started destroying the confiscated fireworks, we have soaked it in water and buried them incoordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection.)

On Friday, a 52% increase in fireworks -related injuries compared to last year was reported.  

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