PNP nabs 21 over banned firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines—For either selling or using banned firecrackers, 21 individuals were arrested as the country ushered in the New Year, police said Wednesday.

In the latest bulletin of the Philippine National Police, the violators were netted in different areas, mostly in the provinces, for possessing, using and selling illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

As of 11 a.m., six of the 21 persons came from Calabarzon region while the other six were apprehended by police in Western Visayas.

Only one violator was caught by authorities in Manila and the rest came from the regions of Cordillera, Bicol, Zamboanga, Davao, and Caraga.

Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, the PNP spokesperson, said their “Iwas Disgrasya at Paputok” report showed that almost 13,700 banned firecrackers were seized by the police and these could amount to P1.36 million.

The confiscated firecrackers were “Lolo Thunder,” “Atomic,” “Big Triangulo,” “Super Lolo,” “Goodbye Philippines,” “Watusi,” “Piccolo,” “Mother Rockets,” “Pillbox,” “Boga,” “Big Judas Belt,” “Big Bawang,” “Kwiton,” and “Kabasi.”

Contrary to the Department of Health’s firecracker-related injury count of 599, only 127 cases of injuries were reported to the PNP headquarters.

Police Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office chief, however explained that there are differences in the count of DOH and the police since the Health Department collates the number of cases directly from hospitals.

Meanwhile, the arrested police officers caught illegally firing their guns remained at three. PNP also reported the lone violator from the military and the security guard from Calabarzon.

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