Manila: At least three persons were arrested last week for selling illegal firecrackers online, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) reported on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing at Camp Crame, acting PNP-ACG chief Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta stated that the arrests led to the confiscation of PHP10,550 worth of prohibited firecrackers. The first operation occurred on November 26 in Tondo, Manila, where two suspects were apprehended, and PHP7,800 worth of illegal firecrackers were seized. The second operation took place on November 30 in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, resulting in the arrest of one suspect who was selling PHP2,750 worth of illegal firecrackers.
"The PNP-ACG continues to intensify its efforts against the illegal online sale of regulated items such as firecrackers. We remind the public to observe safety regulations and to refrain from engaging in online transactions that violate the law," said Asueta. He further explained that both operations were a result of proactive cyber patrols by ACG operatives who identified the suspects openly advertising and selling dangerous and highly explosive firecrackers online.
The confiscated items are currently under police custody as evidence for the filing of appropriate charges. All three suspects are facing charges for violations of Section 3 of RA 7183 (An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices), in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
