PRO-7 warns vs sale of illegal firecrackers

CEBU, Philippines - The warning from the Police Regional Office-7 is clear — traders of illegal firecrackers run the risk of confiscation and may only end up losing money.

Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, PRO-7 director, said they will strictly ban illegal firecrackers these holidays as one of the instructions of the chief of the Philippine National Police, Director General Ricardo Marquez.

“We are warning all the businessmen engaged in selling, manufacturing and the transport or delivery of illegal firecrackers…. They better shift to what is legal so that hindi masasayang ang kanilang investment,” said Gaerlan.

He said they will be coordinating with all other agencies, like the Bureau of Customs, for any possible smuggling of these illegal wares.

He further said if ever they could not prevent the entry of these illegal firecrackers into the region, then they will apprehend them along the roads.

“On the streets, sa markets, we will be inspecting these areas from time to time and there will be no compromise also when it comes to high-powered and yung medyo malalakas na paputok,” he said.

GMA News Online reports that some of the firecrackers not allowed in the country include Watusi or the “dancing firecracker”, Piccolo, Super Lolo and Atomic Big Triangulo, Mother Rockets, Lolo Thunder, Pillbox, Boga, Big Judah’s Belt, Big Bawang, Kwiton, Goodbye Philippines and Kabasi.

Other banned firecrackers include the Giant Whistle Bomb, “Atomic Bomb,” Five Star, Pla-pla, Og, and other unlabelled firecrackers.

Gaerlan, though, said as of yesterday, they have not received information about someone selling or displaying unauthorized firecrackers in Central Visayas.

Nevertheless, he said he directed the Regional Operations Planning Division to conduct an inspection of all the authorized manufacturers of firecrackers together with city directors and provincial directors.

Gaerlan said they will definitely confiscate the items and lodge charges against violators in relation to Republic Act 7183 which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Anyone caught manufacturing, selling, distributing and purchasing these items may be imprisoned from six months to a year, and may be slapped with a fine from P20,000 to P30,000.

Sought for comment about previous instances of illegal discharge of firearms instead of using firecrackers, Gaerlan said these gun owners might as well be responsible gun owners.

“Sa lahat ng gun owners, kung gusto niyo talaga magpaputok ng baril, just go to a firing range and shoot as much as you want,” he said. — (FREEMAN)