ILOILO City — In a proactive move to ensure public safety this holiday season, the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) 6 has confiscated more than P20,000 worth of unlabeled firecrackers from various stalls along Circumferential Road in Arevalo district.
The operation was conducted during a special inspection of firecracker vendors on Thursday, December 25.
According to Police Colonel Romeo Galgo Jr., acting chief of RCSU-6, no illegal firecrackers were found during the operation. However, several vendors were selling fireworks without proper labeling, including the absence of manufacturer information, which renders the products illegal under current regulations.
The seized firecrackers are scheduled for disposal today, December 27.
During inspections, RCSU-6 agents checked each stall for compliance with safety protocols, including the presence of business permits and licenses, “no smoking” and “no testing” signs, fire extinguishers, as well as water and sand for emergency use. Vendors were also reminded to refrain from cooking near the stalls.
“The inspection aims to ensure the safety of buyers and prevent the sale of illegal firecrackers, while making sure vendors adhere to proper protocols,” Galgo said.
He added that inspections will continue, especially as more buyers are expected between December 30 and 31, to prevent accidents such as fires or injuries.
RCSU-6 encourages the public to purchase fireworks only from designated areas such as Circumferential Road in Arevalo, Barangay Buhang in Jaro district, and Muelle Loney in the City Proper district, which have undergone safety inspections.
In line with Executive Order 28 and Republic Act 7183, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) released a list of 31 prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, including watusi, piccolo, poppop, five-star (big), pla-pla, lolo thunder, giant bawang, giant whistle bomb, atomic bomb, atomic triangle, large-size judas belt, mother rockets, king kong, super lolo, and others.
“The public is advised to purchase and use only certified Philippine Standard firecrackers from registered retailers,” PRO-6 said in a statement.
Authorities stressed that adherence to regulations is crucial for a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable holiday season, particularly to prevent accidents, fires, and injuries, especially among children.
With festive celebrations underway, RCSU-6 and PRO-6 remain vigilant in enforcing firecracker regulations, ensuring that safety remains a top priority for all residents./PN
