CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union, Philippines —In line with the PNP’s stern commitment to crack down on illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics, the Regional Civil Security Unit 1 (RCSU1) has intensified its campaign against the illegal manufacture and sale of prohibited firecrackers across the region to ensure the safety of the community during the holiday revelries.
PCol. Cherry Fajardo, Chief, RCSU1, said her command has been conducting a massive campaign against illegal firecrackers and started the inspection and monitoring of Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices (FCPDs) in the region since December 9 in response to the guidance of the Acting Chief PNP LtGen.Jose Melencio C. Nartatez,Jr.
“Our monitoring teams and combined operatives are tracking down all FCPD outlets across Region 1 to ensure that only authorized and safe products reach the community. Under my leadership, we will make every effort to halt the spread of illegal, prohibited, and dangerous firecrackers, ensuring the community’s safety,” Fajardo stated.
The RCSU1’s initiative was launched in lieu of the directive of PBGen. Ross C. Alvarado, Acting Director of the PNP- Civil Security Group to strictly implement inspections and masdive campaign against FCPDs in respective area of responsibility.
Since the launching of the campaign, the RCSU1, in partnership with other police units, has conducted 21 police operations, resulting in the arrest of three violators and the confiscation of 612 prohibited firecrackers and improvised devices with an estimated value of P23,680.00.
Meanwhile, on December 16, a joint operation of RCSU1 and Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 1 (RACU1) led by PCol Fajardo successfully entrapped a suspect for violation of Section 3 of the Republic Act 7183 in relation to Section 6 of R.A. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
The suspect was identified as a 26-year-old male, a resident of Brgy. Apatot, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, and was entrapped at the parking area of Asia United Bank in San Nicolas, Candon City. Authorities recovered 105 pieces of firecracker (Dart Bomb), boodled money used, and the mobile device used to facilitate the transaction.
Fajardo reminded the public that prohibited items include watusi, pop-pop, pla-pla, piccolo, five-star, giant bawang, giant whistle bomb, atomic bomb, large-size Judas Belt, super lolo, and Goodbye Bading. Also banned are Lolo Thunder, Mother Rockets, Bin Laden, Kalabsi, Super Yolanda, Boga, Kwiton, Hello Columbia, King Kong, Dart Bomb, GPH Nuclear, Tuna, and Goodbye Chismosa because they are overweight for containing more than 0.2 grams of explosives and lack proper manufacturer markings.
The RCSU1 Chief, who assumed the position on August 11, stressed that the sale of illegal firecrackers carries penalties, including confiscation of all merchandise, fines ranging from P20,000 to P30,000, and imprisonment of six months to one year. She even advised the community to purchase only from the authorized sellers and avoid using prohibited firecrackers to ensure a safe and injury-free celebration.
The use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics remains a common New Year tradition in the Philippines to drive away bad luck and evil spirits.
