PRO8’s TF Paputok confiscates firecrackers in Tacloban

PALO, LEYTE, Philippines – A total of 429 reams, 388 pieces and four boxes of various illegal firecrackers were confiscated in raids conducted by the Police Regional Office-8’s Task Force Paputok in two allegedly illegal outlets in Tacloban City.

The task force, led by Chief Inspector Leo Laraga, and Tacloban City Police Office’s Public Safety Company commander, Senior Inspector Wilmer Dadia, served the search warrant—issued by Judge Janet Cabaluna of Regional Trial Court-branch 33 in Calbiga, Samar—against two business establishments in Tacloban.

Seized from the Barstow Grains Supply in downtown Tacloban were: Three reams (of 10 packs each) of Lolo Thunder, 10 reams of Super Lolo, one ream of 5-Star, 11 pieces of Sawa 500 and 16 pieces of Rambo Special 500 rounds.

The police team later seized from a warehouse at the city’s suburban Abucay district the following: Four boxes (20 pcs each) and 91 pieces of Rambo Special 500 rounds, four pieces of JVS; 230 reams (10 packs each) Lolo Thunder; 131 reams of Super Lolo; 110 pieces of Sawa, 110 pieces of Sawa 1000, 20 pieces of Sawa 2000; four pieces of Sawa 5000 and 54 reams of Plapla.

The confiscated items are now in custody of the Firearms and Explosives, Security Agencies and Guard Supervision (FESAGS) Office of PRO-8’s Regional Operations and Plans Division at Camp Kangleon in Campetic, Palo, Leyte.

PRO-8 officer-in-charge director, Chief Superintendent Cedrick Train, said the confiscation was in line with the government’s campaign to stop the public from using fireworks and firecrackers from illegal sources in celebrating the New Year to avoid injuries.

Train had directed all police units in Eastern Visayas to raid all sources and sellers of illegal pyrotechnics items to avert injuries, fires, damage to properties and even loss of lives.

The PRO-8 has been on full alert status throughout the holiday season to ensure a peaceful celebration of the New Year, said Train, adding that the public should help the police in providing relevant information against indiscriminate firing of guns and illegal selling of firecrackers.

Train said the public can report to the police through the social media (Twitter or Facebook), or dial 117, text 2920, or call 0917-3114794 and 09478907155, as well as to Isumbong Mo Kay Tsip (09178475757). (FREEMAN)