PRO-1 cracks down on illegal firecrackers

Police Regional Office 1 (PRO 1) has ordered a region-wide crackdown on illegal firecracker manufacturing and inspections of authorized businesses following an explosion at a suspected manufacturing site in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, that killed five people and injured two others.

The explosion occurred at about 7:45 p.m. on 4 November at a shanty in Barangay Tabo-Sili. Police and Bureau of Fire Protection personnel responded and extinguished the fire at about 8:21 p.m.

Investigators from the Urdaneta City Forensic Unit processed the site, with assistance from the Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit and Pangasinan PECU EIRT 3.

Authorities recovered suspected manufacturing materials and finished products, including Baby Rocket firecrackers and about 300 Kwitis. Initial findings indicated that the occupants allegedly lacked a permit to manufacture firecrackers at the site.

PRO 1 Regional Director PBGen Crisaleo R. Tolentino directed police provincial offices and the Regional Civil Security Unit 1 to strengthen intelligence gathering and enforcement against unauthorized production.

He also ordered immediate inspections of establishments involved in manufacturing, selling and distributing firecrackers to check their permits, licenses and compliance with safety regulations. Police units were instructed to identify and monitor locations suspected of being used for illegal production or storage.

“The safety of our communities is our utmost priority,” Tolentino said, adding that the operation aims to prevent another tragedy and hold accountable those who put lives at risk through illegal activity.

PRO 1 urged the public to report suspected illegal firecracker manufacturing, storage or sales to the nearest police station.