Manpower hampers fight vs illegal f’crackers

CEBU, Philippines - An official of the Police Regional Office 7 has admitted that lack of manpower hampers campaign against illegal firecrackers.

PRO 7 deputy director for operation, Sr. Supt. Orlando Ualat, cited the reason why there are still illegal firecrackers being sold to the public.

This prompted Ualat to encourage the public to help the police in monitoring to address such concern.

“We have limited human resource and the public should also take part with this,” Ualat said during the Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (Tsip) forum yesterday morning.

The police are also asking help from the Barangay Intelligence Network (BIN) and the Barangay Peace-Keeping Action Team (BPAT) in every barangay.

Among the firecrackers which are not allowed in the market include Super Lolo, Whistle Bomb, Piccolo, Gangnam Bomb and Goodbye Philippines.

Supt. Marvin Sanchez, the Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGSS) chief, said they have been conducting inspections where there is existence of firecracker manufacturers in Central Visayas since October.

“We have to check if they have retailer’s permit, business permit and Mayor’s Certificate to operate,” Sanchez said.

The FESSAGSS is concentrating on their monitoring in Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, where firecracker manufacturing is rampant.

For his part, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office deputy director for administration, Supt. Jonathan Abella, said they created a task force to look into firecracker manufacturers in the city.

“Unfortunately, duna gyu’y mga  illegal mga pabuto nga mabaligya kay during inspections dili na nila ipagawas unya kung dunay mangita mao ray ilang pagpagawas ana,” Abella said.

Police also cannot check the entire stalls and vendors in the long stretch of Barangay Babag because of lack of personnel.

“Limited among manpower di gyud masuroy and we are appealing to the people to help us so we could check,” he said.

Police is asking the public to immediately call the Regional Intelligence Division’s contact number (032) 254-1041 if  they know of someone selling illegal firecrackers to be verified.— (FREEMAN)