MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up efforts to curb the illegal manufacture and online sale of prohibited firecrackers to prevent injuries and fatalities during the holiday season.

At a press briefing on Monday at Camp Crame, Col. Rex Buyucan, chief of the Explosive Management Division of the Firearms and Explosives Office, said the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has intensified cyber-patrolling to track sellers of banned firecrackers across online platforms.

Several arrests have already been made in recent weeks, and law enforcement operations will be strengthened in the days leading up to the New Year, when demand for fireworks peaks.

The PNP has coordinated with online selling and delivery platforms following discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to prevent distribution of prohibited firecrackers. “There was a discussion on the aspect of the delivery of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials because what we are protecting here is the safety of the community,” Buyucan said.

Operations have also been intensified with the Bureau of Customs to stop the importation of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials.

Among the banned items are watusi, pop-pop, pla-pla, piccolo, five star, giant bawang, giant whistle bomb, atomic bomb, large-size Judas Belt, super lolo, Goodbye Bading, Lolo Thunder, Mother Rockets, Bin Laden, Kalabsi, Super Yolanda, Boga, Kwiton, Hello Columbia, King Kong, Dart Bomb, GPH Nuclear, Tuna, and Goodbye Chismosa. These are often overweight—containing more than 0.2 grams of explosives—and lack proper markings.

Buyucan noted that a standard fuse should burn for no less than three seconds and no more than six seconds. Violators may face fines of up to PHP20,000 and imprisonment of six months to one year.

He also warned that illegal firecracker sales pose serious safety risks and harm legitimate manufacturers and the fireworks industry. Firecrackers remain a common New Year tradition in the Philippines, believed to drive away bad luck and evil spirits.