P200K worth of banned firecrackers seized in Bulacan warehouse

The Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group raided a warehouse in Santa Maria, Bulacan that was selling illegal firecrackers online, according to Emil Sumangil’s report in 24 Oras on Monday.

“Nakatago po siya sa isang lugar, marami pa pong pasikot-sikot at napakataas ng pader,” said P/Lt. Col. Milgrace Driz, Bulacan CIDG provincial officer.

(The warehouse was hidden somewhere and you need to take several routes before you can find it. It was also surrounded by a high wall.)

Around P200,000 worth of illegal firecrackers were seized during the operations.

Aside from “Pla-Pla”, seized from the raid were firecrackers with unusual or odd names like “Tuna,” “Goodbye, Philippines” among others.

“Malalakas po [ito], kapag nasabugan tayo, delikado po, lalo na kung papunta sa tao o sa bahay,” said Driz.

(This is so strong that when it hit a person or a house, it could be fatal.)

The suspect refused to give a statement.

Authorities advised the public not to purchase firecrackers online to ensure safety of the products.

“Mayroon tayong mga bentahan diyan sa Bocaue, marami po diyan ay regulated at lisensyado ang mga nagtitinda po diyan, mayroon po silang mga permit at license mula sa gobyerno,” said Driz.

(There are shops in Bocaue that are regulated and licensed to sell because they were issued with permits and licenses by the government.)

As of December 23, the Department of Health said 17 firecracker-related injuries have been recorded so far a week before the New Year revelries.

Of the 17 injuries, 16 are male patients aged 7 to 37 years old. This is higher compared to the six cases recorded in the same period last year. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News