P1.4M firecrackers seized in Calabarzon; 2 nabbed in NCR, Bicol
DANGEROUS The Department of Health said the majority of injuries reported this year were traced to illegal firecrackers,
particularly “boga”, or improvised cannon, and “five star.” — INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized illegal firecrackers worth P1.4 million in Calabarzon and arrested two online sellers in Metro Manila and Bicol in the lead-up to New Year.
The Police Regional Office 4A (PRO 4A) on Monday reported confiscating 3,786 pieces of “boga” (improvised cannon) and 15,825 assorted firecrackers in boxes, bundles, and packs in operations from Dec. 18 to 30.
PRO 4A Director Brig. Gen. Paul Lucas on Monday also ordered provincial police offices to destroy the seized illegal firecrackers.
Calabarzon police touted logging fewer illegal firecracker-related cases, reporting only 15 incidents from Dec. 18 to 30, compared to 273 in the same period in 2023.
“This drastic decrease in incidents shows the effectiveness of our efforts and the invaluable cooperation of our communities,” Lucas’ statement reads.
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Article continues after this advertisementThe crackdown on illegal firecrackers also led to the arrest of two online sellers in Metro Manila and Bicol Region over the weekend.
PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said its Financial Crime Unit and the National Capital Region Police Office’s (NCRPO) Northern Police District apprehended an individual for selling illegal firecrackers in Martiniko, Navotas City on Sunday, Dec. 29.
The suspect was identified as alias “Kit” and said to be selling “whistle bombs” and “sawa,” according to the ACG’s Facebook post on Monday.
READ: PNP cracks down on online sale of illegal fireworks for holidays
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) reported that its ACG field unit arrested a male with the alias “Oli” along Gov. Jose Fuentebella National Highway in Barangay Anayan, Pili, Camarines Sur at 10:55 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27.
The suspect was monitored via social media and found to have violated firecracker and pyrotechnic devices regulations outlined in Republic Act 7183 and Executive Order No. 28 s. 2017 in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175).
According to PRO 5, police recovered three pieces of “boga”, two spray bottles of denatured alcohol, and a smartphone allegedly used in the illegal transaction.
