Cops seize over P30T illegal firecrackers

CEBU, Philippines - At least P31,000 worth of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices were confiscated by the police Monday afternoon in Barangays Babag and Kalawisan in Lapu-lapu City.

Barangay Babag is one of the designated firecracker zone areas in Lapu-Lapu City. But in spite of being a firecracker zone, authorities are still conducting inspection from time to time to ensure that no illegal firecrackers are sold.

Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc, acting director of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, said the inspection was conducted by the intelligence branch operatives in compliance with the instruction from the regional director.

Radoc said that stall operators left their stalls upon seeing the presence of the police.

“Naay nagbutang og gagmay nga lamesa unya gipatong ning mga firecrackers nga uban prohibited. Along the road gyud sila namaligya,” said Radoc.

Radoc said the police operatives found out that some of the items on display were prohibited firecrackers. These include 67 boxes of Piccolo, 113 pieces of Coil Family, 48 pieces of Yolanda, 30 pieces of Super Whistle Bomb, and 80 pieces of Dalogdog.

“Designated ang Barangay Babag. Although designated, naa man jud uban mopalusot pamaligya,” said Radoc.

The confiscated items were brought to the Police Regional Office-7 yesterday morning.

Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan, PRO-7 director, said the confiscated illegal firecrackers will be destroyed.

“And we will let our explosive technicians handle the explosive materials,” said Gaerlan.

He said the reason why these items are still in the market despite being prohibited is because manufacturers still earn money from these illegal firecrackers.

“Backyard industry kasi. Ini-insist nila na nakatago lang sila sa likod ng bakuran nila. They are endangering not just their family but also their neighbors,” he said.

“But we will not let them capitalize on some injuries ng ating mamayan. Siyempre safety ating priority,” Gaerlan added.

Gaerlan said he already directed all policemen to continue inspecting and confiscating illegal firecrackers until New Year’s Day.

“I directed the patrol elements na talagang labas pa. Mag-ikot pa para kapag may makita ang mga bata na pulis, tumitigil sila sa pagpapaputok,” he said. — (FREEMAN)