10 arrested for online sale of illegal firecrackers — PNP-ACG

A total of 10 people have been arrested so far for selling illegal firecrackers online, the Philippine National Police (PNP) - Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said Thursday.

From December 6 to 26, the ACG said it has conducted eight operations that resulted in the confiscation of illegal firecrackers worth a total of P76,400.

The following are the seized illegal firecrackers:

• 185 pieces of kingkong
• 211 pieces of atomic bomb
• 2,500 pieces of pop pop
• 220 pieces of kwitis
• 1 piece of fountain
• 1 piece of Judas' belt (1000 rounds)
• 4 pieces of Judas' belt (100 rounds)
• 50 pieces of whistle bomb
• 300 pieces of five star
• 50 pieces of pastillas
• 174 pieces of kabase
• 60 pieces of tuna
• 2 pieces of Goodbye Philippines
• 52 boxes of piccolo
• 1,734 pieces of pla pla
• 200 pieces of three star
• 100 pieces of sparkle
• 12 pieces of small luis
• 20 pieces of five colors
• 20 pieces of dynamite
• 20 pieces of yakult
• five pieces of crying cow

In its latest entrapment operation, the ACG said two suspects identified as "Rico" and "Chris" were arrested in San Fernando, Pampanga on December 23.

The police conducted a cyber patrol on the "Online Paputok & Pailaw" Facebook page where the two were found selling firecrackers.

Seized from them were 15 pieces of pla pla, 10 bundles of kabase, 27 pieces of giant atomic bomb, and 174 pieces of small atomic bomb worth a total of around P60,000.

Last Monday, the PNP warned store owners against selling illegal firecrackers.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said erring store owners may face cancellation of their permits and confiscation of their firecracker merchandise.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian previously called for a ban on the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers amid what he called "increasing trend" of online selling of such products.

"Given customers' increasing propensity for online purchases, we need to put in place legislation that would prohibit the sale and distribution of firecrackers before this becomes a safety concern," Gatchalian earlier said.

"The surge in online platform selling poses new challenges, which is why authorities must adopt innovative ways to address these risks. Collaboration between government agencies, online platforms, and local communities is crucial to uphold the ban and promote safer alternatives for celebrations," he added.

Gatchalian had filed Senate Bill 1144 of the proposed Firecrackers Prohibition Act which seeks to amend Republic Act 7183 or the "Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices."

SB 1144 seeks to prohibit the sale, distribution, possession, and use of any firecracker or pyrotechnic devices.

The measure proposes an exception to entities requiring the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices, but they must secure a special permit from the PNP Fire and Explosives Office and any fireworks display must be done only by professionals who are technically equipped with skills and knowledge on the use of firecrackers.

"Hindi kinakailangang magpaputok upang maramdaman natin ang saya ng selebrasyon. Isipin din natin ang trahedya na maaaring maidulot nito," the lawmaker said.

(We don't need to use these firecrackers to feel the joy of celebrations. We should think of the tragedy that it might cause.) — with Hana Bordey/VDV/RSJ GMA Integrated News