Police arrest 10 for online sale of firecrackers

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December 5, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The number of people arrested for selling illegal firecrackers online has reached 10, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group said yesterday, as the PNP-ACG intensifies its cyber patrols ahead of the holiday season.

Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, ACG director, said the arrests resulted from seven operations over the past week in Nueva Ecija, Laguna and Metro Manila.

“This is the product of intensive cyber patrolling,” Asueta said, adding that the suspects were caught selling prohibited firecrackers such as King Kong, Kabase and Tuna on social media platforms.

He said the sellers face complaints for violating Republic Act 7183, which regulates the manufacture and sale of firecrackers, in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Asueta said two suspects in Manila were arrested through a sting by cyber patrolers who posed as buyers and arranged a meet-up.

“Once payment was made, they were arrested,” Asueta said.

He noted that online sellers have shifted to social media because transactions are easier and products can be delivered discreetly.

“Some buyers think it is safer because the items are brought directly to them,” he added.

According to Asueta, the ACG had confiscated 789 assorted illegal firecrackers, valued at P75,000.

Asueta also confirmed that the ACG is monitoring new firecracker variants, named “Zaldy Co” and “Discaya” – personalities linked to the flood control scandal.

He reminded the public that the online sale of firecrackers is banned, even for sellers with permits.