PNP warns vs online sale of firecrackers

People should think twice before selling firecrackers online as they can end up in jail even if the items they are selling are allowed by the government, according to the Philippine National Police.

- EMMANUEL TUPAS

The PNP yesterday reminded the public that selling even legal firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices through online platforms is prohibited.

"Those who will be caught distributing and selling prohibited firecrackers, even those allowed by the government, and other pyrotechnic devices but without the necessary permit shall be held liable," PNP public information officer Col.

Jean Fajardo said in a news briefing at Camp Crame.

Fajardo added that apart from facing complaints for violation of Republic Act 7183, the law that regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, those who are caught could also face charges for violating RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The PNP official said they are expecting a spike in the sale of firecrackers through online platforms, noting that only few LGUs have so far declared a firecracker ban.

Two persons were recently arrested by operatives of the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) in Caloocan City for selling firecrackers online.

Sabino Medenilla, 19, was arrested on Dec. 19, and Rodel Constantino, 39, was collared on Dec. 21.

The suspects negotiated with ACG operatives posing as buyers for firecrackers.

Col. Jay Guillermo, who heads the ACG's cyber response unit, said the suspects have one thing in common: they did not obtain permits to sell firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices from the PNP, concerned government agencies and the local government of Caloocan.

The ACG official urged people to buy fireworks from legitimate manufacturers, distributors and retailers as he warned that criminals might take advantage of firecrackers being sold on online platforms.