Police crack down on sale of illegal firecrackers in Divisoria

Police in Divisoria launched a crackdown on the sale of illegal firecrackers a few weeks before New Year's Eve celebrations.

According to Jonathan Andal’s 24 Oras Weekend report on Saturday, several vendors were caught selling prohibited firecrackers such as piccolo.

“Kinukumpiska po natin ‘yan. Araw-araw naman nating iniikutan ‘yan. Naka-civilian po ang gagamitin natin para makahuli kami,” Police Major Kherwin Evangelista, commander of Juan Luna police community precinct, said.

(We confiscate them and we also monitor them every day. We wear civilian clothes to be able to catch those who are selling illegal firecrackers.)

Meanwhile, several shoppers who went to Divisoria for early Christmas shopping failed to observe minimum health protocols such as physical distancing.

Evangelista assured that authorities were patrolling the area to ensure that customers and vendors adhered to the COVID-19 safety regulations.

He also advised shoppers not to bring their vehicles as parking spaces were limited and at full capacity.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier issued the operational guidelines for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics during the Yuletide season.

The PNP said the guidelines seek to ensure a safe and peaceful holiday season in the country. — Richa Noriega/VBL, GMA News