The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) crackdown against online sellers of banned firecrackers has already delivered positive results with the arrest of three suspects during separate raids in Metro Manila and Olongapo City in Zambales.
In a statement, the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) spokesman Lt. Wallen Arancillo said the suspects yielded 541 pieces of illegal firecrackers during the raids staged in Tondo, Manila; Barangay East Bajac-Bajac in Olongapo; Lapu-Lapu Ave. in Malabon City.
ACG records showed it seized 300 pieces of the Five Star firecrackers, 80 pieces of kwitis, 50 pieces of Pastillas, 35 pieces of Kingkong, 30 pieces of Whistle Bomb, 20 pieces each of Kabase and Tuna, three Judas Belts, two pieces of Goodbye Philippines, and one piece of Fountain, with a total value of P14,370.
The ACG withheld the identities of the suspects. The operations came amid the PNP Civil Security Group’s announcement of a crackdown on the online sale of illegal fireworks amid the holiday season.
The PNP-ACG has partnered with TikTok to strengthen efforts against cybercrimes. In a meeting at Camp Crame, both parties discussed operational concerns, including scams on TikTok’s shopping feature and ways to collaborate effectively.
