The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its campaign against the illegal manufacture and online sale of prohibited firecrackers to prevent injuries and fatalities during the holiday season.
At a press briefing held at Camp Crame on Monday, Col. Rex Buyucan, chief of the Explosive Management Division of the Firearms and Explosives Office, said the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has increased cyber-patrolling efforts to track and apprehend online sellers of banned firecrackers across various digital platforms. Several arrests have already been made in recent weeks, he noted.
Buyucan said enforcement operations will be further strengthened as New Year approaches, when the demand for fireworks typically surges. The PNP has also coordinated with online selling and delivery platforms, following discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to stop the distribution of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials.
Efforts have likewise been stepped up in coordination with the Bureau of Customs to curb the importation of illegal fireworks.
Among the banned firecrackers are watusi, pop-pop, pla-pla, piccolo, five star, giant bawang, giant whistle bomb, atomic bomb, large-size Judas Belt, super lolo, Goodbye Bading, Lolo Thunder, Mother Rockets, Bin Laden, Kalabsi, Super Yolanda, Boga, Kwiton, Hello Columbia, King Kong, Dart Bomb, GPH Nuclear, Tuna, and Goodbye Chismosa. These items are often overweight, containing more than 0.2 grams of explosive material, and lack proper markings such as the manufacturer’s name and address.
Buyucan reminded the public that a standard firecracker fuse should burn for at least three seconds but not more than six seconds. Violators of firecracker regulations face fines of up to ₱20,000 and imprisonment ranging from six months to one year.
He added that the illegal sale of firecrackers poses serious risks to public safety and undermines legitimate manufacturers and the local fireworks industry, as authorities continue to urge safer celebrations during the New Year.
