EcoWaste Coalition Alerts PNP on Unlawful Trade of Dangerous Firecrackers in the Streets and on Social Media (PNP urged to undertake law enforcement operations to protect life and limb)
Stores selling firecrackers and fireworks, including those banned by PNP, sprout up in Binondo, Manila as the Christmas and New festivities near.
10 November 2026, Quezon City. As Christmas and New Year festivities near, the EcoWaste Coalition urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to curb the street and online sale of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, which can put the health and safety of the public, especially children, at risk.
Through a letter submitted to Camp Crame on November 9, the environmental and health watchdog group informed PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. about the sale of firecrackers, including those banned by the police, in the streets of Binondo, Manila, as well as on Facebook and TikTok.
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| The EcoWaste Coalition delivers a letter to the PNP on November 9 to encourage police action to counter the illegal trade of banned firecrackers in the streets and on social media. |
Based on the ocular monitoring it conducted on November 8, the group found at least seven stores in M. de Santos St. and Sto. Cristo St., adjacent to the Divisoria Mall, selling assorted firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, including banned items, particularly “Five Star” and “Pop Pop.”
The group also observed "Piccolo" firecrackers on display. These closely resemble the imported, finished firecrackers and fireworks that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted between July and August 2026. Republic Act No. 7183 prohibits importation of such products.
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| A street store offers a wide array of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices without safety measures, creating a highly hazardous setup. |
Due to visible safety non-compliance in the selling area, the street vendors likely lack the proper dealer’s licenses, retailer’s permits, and additional credentials mandated under RA 7183 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
The group further monitored the online sale of PNP-banned firecrackers, particularly “Five Star,” “kabasi,” “King Kong,” “pla-pla,” and “tuna,” in blatant violation of RA 7183, as well as RA 1075, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, since the transactions are conducted online.
Moreover, the group monitored Facebook and TikTok clips showing individuals unwrapping parcels of what were reportedly firecrackers ordered online. The PNP prohibits online sale, even for government-approved firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Based on the leads provided by the EcoWaste Coalition, the PNP was requested:
- Conduct the necessary probe and law enforcement action to stop the dangerous trade of banned firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in the streets, as well as on social media platforms;
- Issue an advisory reiterating the prohibition on the online sale of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, even if the items are legally allowed, through e-commerce sites, social media platforms, and messaging apps.
The EcoWaste Coalition also pushed for the ban on the sale of firecrackers to minors be strictly enforced, noting that Piccolo and other products are primarily marketed for children’s use.
“It is prohibited to sell firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices to anyone under 18 years of age,” as per Section 6 of Rule XV of RA 7183’s IRR.
In the coming weeks, the EcoWaste Coalition will collaborate with school and community partners to encourage people not to light firecrackers and fireworks during the holidays to prevent and reduce injuries, waste, and pollution, as well as promote animal welfare, through its “Iwas Paputoxic” campaign in support of the government-led “Iwas Paputok.” The group's "Iwas Paputoxic" was first held in 2006.
Reference:
- https://feo.csg.pnp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2012-Revised-IRR-of-RA-7183.pdf
- https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HBc5Vyf24/
- https://ecowastecoalition.blogspot.com/2026/08/ecowaste-coalition-applauds-boc-for.html
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