PNP CHIEF LEADS FIRECRACKER INSPECTION IN BULACAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — With  three days before the New Year’s Eve revelry, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Bemjamin Acorda Jr. on Friday inspected fireworks stores and stalls in Bocaue, Bulacan.
        With Acorda were Civil Security Group Director MGen. Benjamin Silo Jr.,  Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr.,   Bulacan police director Col. Relly Arnedo, Bulacan Gov. Daniel  Fernando, and other government officials and personnel.

Acorda and the inspection team checked each stall if they have the necessary permit to operate and they have fire protection device such as fire extinguisher, as well as if the size, weight and brand of the items conform with the existing requirements.

Right after the inspection, a press conference was held.

The PNP chief stressed that the PNP wanted to ensure that firecrackers and pyrotechnic dealers, sellers and manufacturers comply with existing laws.

He pointed out that the inspection is  part of the PNP’s crackdown on sellers and manufacturers of illegal firecrackers to minimize fireworks-related injuries during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Relatedly, in response to reports that some dealers of prohibited firecrackers are selling their products online, Acorda said the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has already intensified its operations.

He reminded the public not to patronize illegal firecrackers as it could endanger lives.

The country’s top cop directed all the police chiefs, not only in Bulacan but the entire Central Luzon, to strictly implement the provisions of Republic Act 7183  (An Act to regulate and control the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices), ensure the filing of tight case against violators to attain conviction, and closely monitor the status of the previously filed cases.