Bocaue police on alert vs. smuggling of illegal firecrackers

Authorities have tightened security in Bocaue, Bulacan to watch out for possible smuggling of illegal firecrackers.

According to a report by Oscar Oida in Balitanghali on Wednesday, police have set up checkpoints in the city and are inspecting vehicles for possible exit and entry of these firecrackers.

So far, police have not yet flagged down vehicles with illegal fireworks. The report said authorities are hoping that smugglers have turned wary due to the stricter security measures, following the deadly explosion involving several Bocaue fireworks stores last year. Two died while over 20 people were injured in the blast.

Members of the Bureau of Fire Protection have been on standby in front of the stores since Tuesday in case of fires or other incidents.

Last June, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 28, which seeks the regulation and control of the use of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. —Jessica Bartolome/KG, GMA News