Manila cops round up 10 firecracker vendors

MANILA, Philippines - Policemen rounded up at least 10 vendors during an anti-illegal firecracker raid in three market areas in Manila on Monday.

 

Four vendors were arrested in a raid in Sampaloc district, where policemen confiscated sacks of prohibited firecrackers called El Diablo, Sawa, Juda's Belt, whistle bombs, atomic bombs and victory lights.

 

Six more vendors were also arrested in Tutuban and Carriedo areas for selling firecrackers without permits.

 

Senior Superintendent Ronald Estille, director for operations of the Manila Police District, said that anti-illegal firecracker operations will continue until New Year's Day.

 

Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr., spokesperson of the Philippine National Police, said that police offices have been directed to intensify inspections and monitoring to prevent the sale of illegal firecrackers on Monday.

 

Cerbo said that all district directors have instructions to continue inspecting stalls and stores for illegal fireworks, many of which had been blamed for revelry-related injuries.

 

Also, he reassured the public the police will be on duty and visible even in the last hour of 2012.