PNP chief wants tighter regulation of online sellers

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine National Police is pushing for stricter regulations on the use of social media platforms and delivery providers to sell products after the PNP observed the rampant selling of banned firecrackers through online platforms and courier services during the Yuletide season.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has appealed to Congress to look into the possibility of crafting laws that would address the problem of individuals using these platforms to transport contraband.

“Maybe we can study further or maybe through coordination with the legislation how to regulate transactions with courier services and online sellers and what can be banned,” Acorda said over Radyo Pilipinas.

Acorda lamented that despite their intensified crackdown against prohibited fireworks during the holidays, more people were injured due to firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices which may have something to do with the sale of firecrackers through online platforms and courier services.

The Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) had arrested several people days before the New Year’s Eve festivities for selling firecrackers through Facebook.

The ACG insisted using Facebook to sell firecrackers is illegal, as the people involved did not secure permits from the PNP and local government units.

Acorda said drug traffickers are also using courier services to transport illegal drugs into the country.