MANILA, Philippines — Apart from entrapment operations, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has also intensified its drive against social media accounts to deter the online sale of firecrackers.
Data from ACG showed that 115 social media pages were deleted for selling firecrackers online, 59 of which are from Facebook followed by 54 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
A website was removed for the same offense and also one on Spotify.
At least 93 online accounts are still active, 71 on Facebook, 20 on X, one on Spotify and a website.
“If we see a violation, we will request for the takedown,” ACG director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said in a news briefing.
The ACG chief said they have intensified the cyber patrolling against the online sale of firecrackers. Yang said it does not matter even if the firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices are legal, stressing that selling the items online is prohibited.
“Legal or illegal, it’s prohibited,” he said.
Since Nov. 20, the ACG has confiscated assorted firecrackers such as atomic bomb, Judas belt, whistle bomb, kabase, Goodbye Philippines and Piccolo worth P76,400.
Among those who were arrested for the online sale of firecrackers are alias Rico and alias Chris, who were arrested in San Fernando City in Pampanga on Tuesday.
The suspects, who are from Makati City, were apprehended in an entrapment operation at around 2:20 p.m. Seized from them were 201 atomic bombs, 15 reams of pla-pla and 10 bundles of kabase with a combined value of P60,000.
The suspects are facing cases for violation of Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in relation to RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Online boga tutorials
The PNP has also intensified its drive against tutorials circulating in online platforms on how to make boga, an improvised cannon which has been prohibited for its destructive effects. The PNP said it is looking for the people behind the videos.
PNP public information officer Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the ACG and other police units were directed to investigate and unmask the people behind the online tutorials.
The Department of Health said that boga is among the most common causes of firecracker-related injuries, alongside the five-star and Piccolo.
Firecracker-related injuries reach 69
A total of 69 cases of firecracker-related injuries have been recorded nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
There were 26 new firecracker-related injuries added to the 43 cases registered by 62 sentinel hospitals on Christmas Day. The injuries were logged from Dec. 22 up to yesterday morning. Of those injured, 65 were male and four were female, with most victims aged 19 and below.
DOH data showed that 51 (74 percent) of the cases actively used firecrackers, and 59 or 86 percent used illegal firecrackers such as boga.
The DOH warned that too much use of firecrackers and fireworks can result in body burns, loss of hearing, blindness, eye irritation, even death.
Apart from poisoning, using firecrackers can also affect a person’s respiratory system and other organs due to toxic chemicals such as lead, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Total ban in Bolinao
In Bolinao, Pangasinan, there will be a total ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnics this yuletide season and in welcoming the new year, in accordance with Executive Order 70 series of 2024 signed by Mayor Alfonso Celeste last Dec. 20.
The EO imposes a total ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the municipality.
“Firecrackers shall be subject to confiscation by the PNP and/or BFP from seller/s and/or users of violating the provisions of this Executive Order,” it added, and that “the Barangay Council is hereby authorized to stop any activity which is not in conformity with this policy and shall immediately report and coordinate with the BFP and the PNP.”
In Bulacan, however, firecracker enthusiasts can greet the coming new year with a bang in 46 community firecracker zones in the province.
The Bulacan Provincial Police Office said these zones are located in different places in Bulacan’s 20 municipalities and four cities.
The zones are the only places where legal firecrackers can be used and exploded by fireworks enthusiasts based on Executive Order 28 signed by then president Rodrigo Duterte in June 2017. – Cesar Ramirez, Rhodina Villanueva, Ramon Efren Lazaro