The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it will crack down on the sale of illegal firecrackers ahead of this year’s holiday season.
‘[Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio] Nartatez [Jr.] ordered police units nationwide to conduct regular inspections in all areas where firecrackers are traditionally sold, stressing that vigilance should not be limited to known hotspots such as Bocaue, Bulacan,’ the law enforcement agency said in a statement.
‘The PNP is [also] coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure that individuals engaged in unauthorized online selling are swiftly identified and apprehended,’ it added.
The law enforcement agency further said it will take ‘immediate action’ against vendors found to violate existing regulations.
The PNP also called on the public to report sellers of illegal firecrackers to the authorities, citing safety concerns amid the Yuletide season.