Police destroyed P450,000 worth of confiscated firecrackers and pyrotechnics at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City yesterday, spearheaded by provincial police director, Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco.

Franco said the imported firecrackers and pyrotechnics in different sizes, were soaked with water and buried yesterday, to ensure that they will not be used later.

Records of the Provincial Health Office showed that there were 145 victims of firecracker blasts in Negros Occidental from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1 this year, despite the Iwas Paputok campaign of the Department of Health and the PNP.

Senior Insp. Rico Santotome, chief of the Negros Occidental police Special Operations Group, yesterday said charges for violation of RA 7183, or an Act Regulating the Sale, Distribution and Manufacturing of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devises, have already been filed against the suspects arrested in Silay and Talisay cities, as well as San Enrique town.

Santotome said 40 persons were arrested for violation of RA 7138.

Policemen also confiscated P38,000 worth of gun replicas in raids in Negros Occidental during the yuletide season.

Santotome said violators convicted for violation of RA 7183 face a maximum of one year imprisonment and a fine of more than P30, 000 aside from the cancellation of their licenses and business permits.*GPB

back to top