A man was arrested on Saturday evening, December 28, for illegally selling firecrackers in Sampaloc, Manila.
The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the suspect as Mark Joseph Oropesa, 35, a resident of Sampaloc, Manila.
According to the police report, the suspect was caught red-handed selling illegal firecrackers along Road 10 Street, near the corner of Leo Street, Barangay 578, Zone 56, Sampaloc, Manila.
The operation, spearheaded by officers from the MPD Sampaloc Police Station Intelligence Section and the Gulod Police Community Precinct (PCP), targeted the illegal sale of fireworks in the area.
During the raid, authorities confiscated nine pieces of Judas’ Belt (1,000 rounds each), two pieces of Judas’ Belt (500 rounds each, two bundles of Kwitis (100 pieces per bundle), 17 pieces of Tuna (formerly known as "Goodbye Philippines"), 19 pieces of Kabase, 10 pieces of Higad 3 Star, 3 bundles of 5 Star (10 pieces per bundle), 9 boxes of Picolo, a pack of Big Bawang Special, and two boxes of Pop-Pop.
The suspect was charged for violation of the provisions of Republic Act (R.A.) 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Police said the suspect will remain under police custody while further investigations and legal actions are underway.