Police step up crackdown on illegal firecrackers

Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. holding a “Bin Laden” firecracker that is illegal. Cerbo warned against the sale and use of such powerful explosives. MATIKAS SANTOS/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) reiterated their warning against illegal firecrackers as the New Year’s celebration draws near.

Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo, PNP spokesman, told reporters Friday that they have been on heightened alert since the start of the yuletide season.

“We are continuously conducting operations, particularly for firecrackers which have been a common cause of disasters,” Cerbo said.

“We are inspecting stores to ensure that no illegal firecrackers will get through us,” he said.

Illegal firecrackers are classified as those that have more than one-third teaspoon or .2 grams of net explosive content, Cerbo said.

Prohibited firecrackers being sold in the market are “Plapla,” super “lolo,” big “bawang,” goodbye Philippines and Bin Laden.

He said that the infamous watusi and “piccolo” are also prohibited because of the many recorded incidents of children ingesting them.

Cerbo also reiterated his warning against indiscriminate firing of firearms to all policemen, military and civilians.

“Policemen will not only face removal from office but will also be charged with administrative cases,” Cerbo said.

Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. Shows to reporters illegal firecrackers that have been deemed too dangerous because of their explosive content. MATIKAS SANTOS/INQUIRER.net

He also called on the public to report persons firing guns.

Several incidents of stray bullets causing injuries have already been reported during the yuletide season.

Cerbo however said that it has not yet been determined if these were the fault of trigger-happy policemen.