The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) confiscated illegal fireworks worth P200,000 that are reportedly being sold online from a warehouse in Sta Maria, Bulacan on Monday, Dec. 23.
Lt. Col Milgrace Driz of CIDG Bulacan said the warehouse was raided after a poseur buyer bought fireworks online. The investigators found out the products came from the said place.
Among those confiscated were Pla-Pla, Tuna, and Goodbye Philippines, all of which are dangerous and included on the list of prohibited fireworks by the PNP.
The person in charge of the fireworks storage was arrested after he failed to produce documents on the sale of fireworks.
Governor Daniel Fernando advised the public not to buy fireworks online but to buy from legitimate or licensed fireworks stores.
He said the stores in Bocaue are licensed to sell regulated fireworks that bear safety marks and have gone through quality check by the Department of Trade and Industry.
He advised Bulakenyos to welcome the New Year with extra care and avoid ending up in hospitals with injuries.
The PNP Civil Security Group (CSG) has coordinated with the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) and the CIDG to go after illegal fireworks sellers, particularly those selling the prohibited items online.
The CSG explained that fireworks sold online are mostly imported and dangerous and may explode while being transported to the buyers.
The CSG said it already contacted Shopee and Lazada to disallow the sale of fireworks online.