Bulacan police nab illegal firecracker seller

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — A seller of oversized firecrackers was arrested at a fireworks store in Baliuag City, Bulacan on Saturday.

Reports reaching Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., regional police director for Central Luzon, said the suspect, identified only as Elmer, was entrapped in an operation in Barangay Sto. Niño in Baliuag.

The police seized 300 packs of pla-pla and 200 packs of kabasi – triangular firecrackers that are oversized and prohibited. They also filed charges of violation of Section 3 of Republic Act 7183, the law regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Hidalgo said the operation was part of a series of police inspections of firecrackers and fireworks establishments in Central Luzon.

“Those who will be caught manufacturing, selling, distributing or using illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices will face a fine of P20,000 to P30,000, an imprisonment of six months to one year, cancellation of license and business permits and the confiscation of their inventory stocks,” Hidalgo said.