Police in Zamboanga City have made a significant arrest and confiscated a large cache of prohibited firecrackers valued at around P500,000, as authorities intensify enforcement of the nationwide ban ahead of the 2026 New Year's revelry.
Major Bust in Camino Nuevo Village
In an entrapment operation on December 24, law enforcement officers arrested a 47-year-old individual, known by the alias Larry, in Camino Nuevo village. The suspect was allegedly engaged in the illegal online sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices from his location at Nuñez Extension.
Authorities seized a wide assortment of prohibited items from the suspect, who was operating without the required special business permit. This operation underscores the local government's ongoing, strict policy against the use, sale, possession, distribution, storage, and manufacture of all forms of firecrackers within Zamboanga City.
PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula Issues Strict Reminder
As the New Year approaches, Police Brigadier General Edwin Quilates, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Zamboanga Peninsula, has issued a stern public reminder. He emphasized the need for strict compliance with Republic Act 7183, the law regulating pyrotechnics.
General Quilates specifically outlined the prohibited items, which include:
- Firecrackers exceeding 0.2 grams of explosive content.
- Oversized firecrackers.
- Devices with fuses that burn for less than three seconds or more than six seconds.
"The use, sale, and possession of prohibited firecrackers are strictly banned," Quilates stated. Violators face serious penalties under RA 7183, including a fine of up to P20,000 and/or imprisonment ranging from six months to one year.
City Regulations and Call for Responsible Celebration
While the city maintains a ban on all firecrackers, it does regulate consumer pyrotechnics in accordance with RA 7183. Only duly authorized and licensed individuals or businesses with proper permits are allowed to sell these items, and sales must be conducted inside establishments with registered business permits.
General Quilates has directed all provincial and city police directors to inspect stores selling these devices to ensure full compliance with the law. The recent arrest in Camino Nuevo serves as a clear warning to those attempting to flout these regulations.
The police chief ended with an appeal to the public, urging everyone to celebrate responsibly, follow the law, and prioritize safety to ensure a peaceful and injury-free welcome to 2026.
