By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday (28 Dec 2023) strongly advised revelers for the coming new year not to purchase firecrackers online.
Colonel Jay Guillermo, Chief of the Cyber Response Unit in the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, emphasized that physical establishments are required to obtain government permissions and undergo inspections, a process that online sellers often bypass.
“There is no government authorization for the sale of firecrackers online because our primary concern is the safety of buyers and the areas where the firecrackers will be used,” explained Guillermo in a recent teleradio interview.
He added, “It is prohibited. You need to visit a physical store to ensure the safety and legitimacy of your purchase.”
Guillermo revealed that three online firecracker sellers have been apprehended since December 19.
(IAmigo/MNM)
