Arrested persons due to illegal firecrackers now at 12 —PNP

A total of 12 individuals have been arrested for illegal firecrackers ahead of the New Year celebration, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.

The PNP also said that it has recorded 36 incidents of illegal possession, use, and sale of firecrackers.

Authorities, meanwhile, have seized a total of 28,754 pieces of prohibited firecrackers worth around P244,130, according to the PNP.

Most of the confiscated items were five star, sawa, and pla-pla.

Violators may face up to a year of imprisonment, a fine of up to P30,000, and the cancellation of license and business permits, the PNP said.

One fire incident caused by firecrackers killed two people and injured five others, according to the PNP.

The Department of Health reported a total of 96 fireworks-related injuries nationwide so far after eight new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours.

Of the 96 cases, 57 were due to illegal firecrackers. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News