PRO-1 intensifies crackdown on illegal firecrackers, arrests three

In an intensified campaign by the Philippine National Police under Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1), Dagupan City in Pangasinan police arrested three individuals in separate operations on Saturday for violations of Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

The operations were carried out under the supervision of Dagupan City Police Station Chief, Police Colonel Orly Pagaduan, as part of ongoing safety and security measures in anticipation of New Year celebrations.

At around 7:50 p.m. in Sitio Silungan, Barangay Bonuan Binloc, a joint team from Police Station 6, led by PCPT Rommel R. Dulay, together with the Criminal Investigation Unit, conducted an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of James Casido Magsano, 27, unemployed and a resident of the area.

Seized from him were one “Super Dark Bomb,” one “Bomb Pla-Pla,” six “Whistle Bomb Jumbo,” eight C2 bombs, one dynamite, and eight small dark bombs. Police said the transaction was conducted through GCash. The suspect was brought to Dagupan City Police Station for proper documentation and filing of charges.

On the same night, at about 8:20 p.m. in Barangay Bacayao Norte, joint operatives from the Criminal Investigation Unit and Police Station 2, supervised by PCPT Eric C. De la Cruz, conducted a buy-bust operation that resulted in the arrest of Marvin Venaday Gutierrez and Michael Venaday Gutierrez, both 39 and tricycle drivers.

The suspects allegedly sold three bundles of “kwitis,” totaling about 300 pieces, to a police poseur-buyer in exchange for ₱2,100 in marked money. Authorities also recovered suspected explosive powders (black, yellow-green, and white), raw materials, assorted paraphernalia used for the illegal manufacturing of firecrackers, and the marked cash.

Police Regional Office 1 reiterated that these operations highlight the continuing effort of the PNP to curb illegal firecracker activities and prevent injuries, fires, and other hazards during the holiday season. Charges under RA 7183 are being prepared against the suspects.