To ensure public safety during the New Year celebrations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying its efforts to combat the online sale of prohibited firecrackers.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has directed the Civil Security Group (CSG) and the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to ramp up surveillance and enforcement against banned firecracker sellers.
“We have tasked the ACG to conduct cyber patrols to track online sellers while the CSG ensures that permits for transporting firecrackers are strictly regulated. Many of these sellers use unregulated means like motorcycles without transport permits, which is illegal and unsafe,” Marbil stated during an inspection of firecracker stalls in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The PNP will regularly inspect firecracker stalls and implement stringent measures to confiscate illegal products.
“We have a comprehensive list of banned firecrackers. These items are hazardous as they can cause fires and serious injuries,” Marbil said, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and adherence to the law.
The following firecrackers are categorized as illegal:
- Piccolo
- Super Lolo
- Atomic Triangle
- Large Judas Belt
- Pillbox
- Bosa
- Mother Rocket
- Lolo Thunder
- Giant Whistle Bomb
- Goodbye Philippines
- Hello Columbia
- Goodbye De Lima
- Super Yolanda
- Kabasi
- Hamas
- And others deemed excessively explosive or improperly labeled.
These firecrackers exceed the allowable explosive content of 0.2 grams and often lack proper markings, such as the manufacturer’s name and address. Additionally, they need to meet safety standards for fuse timing, which should burn for at least three seconds and at most six seconds.
Crackdown on online sales
CSG Director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco highlighted the illegal nature of online sales of firecrackers.
“Selling firecrackers online is explicitly prohibited under existing laws. We cannot verify the quality or safety compliance of these items sold on platforms like Shopee and Lazada,” Francisco explained.
The PNP is working closely with e-commerce platforms to remove listings of illegal firecrackers and curb their availability online.
The proliferation of illegal firecrackers undermines legitimate manufacturers and disrupts the regulated fireworks industry. It also poses significant safety risks to the public.
“This crackdown is not just about enforcing the law but also about ensuring the safety of families and communities celebrating the holidays,” Marbil concluded.
The PNP urges the public to purchase only certified firecrackers and fireworks from authorized sellers and to report any suspicious activities to local authorities.
