By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has ordered all police chiefs in the province to go after manufacturers and sellers of illegal firecrackers ahead of this year’s holiday season.

NOCPPO director Police Colonel Romy Plague specifically said to arrest, confiscate, and suspend the licenses of any firecracker manufacturer or seller if they are caught selling or making illegal firecrackers.

According to NOCPPO spokesperson Police Lt. Abegael Donasco, Plague’s order was also in response to a memorandum from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Dionardo Bernardo Carlos to implement the firecracker ban even before the holiday season begins.

Donasco said firecracker and pyrotechnic sellers must strictly adhere to the regulations set by their respective local government units (LGUs).

Among the prohibited firecrackers listed in the PNP’s guidelines are watusi, piccolo, pop-pop, five star, atomic triangle, Goodbye De Lima, and Goodbye Napoles.

Firecrackers must also be used only in designated areas assigned by LGUs.

Donasco added the regulations was meant to make sure that the celebration of Christmas and New Year is safe for everyone./DGB, WDJ