10 nabbed over illegal firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines — Ten persons were arrested in Metro Manila and Pampanga for allegedly selling illegal firecrackers, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

Three of the suspects – identified as Arvin Magcasquit, 34; Lean Lalusin, 33, and Arlen Magcasquit, 29 – were collared in Mexico, Pampanga on Wednesday.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the suspects sold banned firecrackers such as Sawa, Judas Belt and Five Star to an undercover police officer in the parking lot of a mall.

On the same day, two online sellers of illegal firecrackers were arrested in Manila.

Keanu Fajardo, 22, and Alliyah Kate Alon, 19, reportedly yielded prohibited firecrackers amounting to P3,810.

On Thursday, five more persons were arrested in Metro Manila for committing the same offense.

Jeffrey Quijano, 25, and Kian Joshua Adriano, 20, were collared in Barangay San Roque, Navotas; Sharmaine dela Cruz in Tondo, Manila, and Kenneth Nilo, 28, and John Kenneth Jacob, 28, in Marikina City.

“In coordination with other law enforcement agencies and local government units, the PNP will continue to conduct cyber patrolling, inspection, confiscation and destruction of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices to protect the public and promote safety,” Azurin said in a statement.

Charges for violating Republic Act 7183 will be filed against the suspects, the PNP said.

Meanwhile, the Central Luzon police is ready for the “Ligtas Paskuhan 2022.”

Brig. Gen. Cesar Pasiwen, Central Luzon police director, said he ordered all city and provincial police commanders in the region to intensify security inspections and police presence in bus terminals, airports and places of convergence such as malls and churches.

On Friday, police assistance desks were established in transport terminals, business and commercial establishments and places of worship.

The police assistance desks will complement the motorist assistance hubs set up along major and secondary roads, which are open 24 hours daily until Jan. 5.

Force multipliers such as volunteer groups, private security guards and government security forces are also being tapped to strengthen and widen security coverage in the communities.

More than 2,000 PNP personnel have been deployed along with the force multipliers for the duration of the holidays, Pasiwen said. – Ramon Efren Lazaro, Ric Sapnu