By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Police seized PHP 10,000 worth of illegal firecrackers during a surveillance operation in Barangay Recreo, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental, on Saturday.
Police Capt. Darryl Kuhutan, head of the Pontevedra Police, said the operation was launched following reports of ambulant vendors selling illegal firecrackers from a top-down tricycle in Pontevedra and neighboring areas, including Hinigaran, La Carlota, and La Castellana.
The Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) led the monitoring in coordination with the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station.
During the operation, the suspects were spotted, leading to a brief chase. Some illegal firecrackers were abandoned along the road during the pursuit and were subsequently confiscated.
The seized items included 10 packs of triangle firecrackers, two packs of kwitis, four packs of candle bombs, a pack of Boy Bawang, two packs of whistle bombs, nine pieces of super kamara, six packs of five-star firecrackers, 12 pieces of kamara, and two sets of Katay. The recovered firecrackers are now in PIU custody for documentation and disposal.
Kuhutan emphasized that selling firecrackers is strictly prohibited in Pontevedra to ensure public safety. However, the suspects attempted to resell the items without proper permits.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to identify the individuals involved in the operation.
