POLICE Regional Office 1 (PRO-1) arrested three individuals in two separate operations on December 27, 2025, for allegedly selling and possessing illegal firecrackers in violation of Republic Act No. 7183, authorities said.

In the first operation, joint operatives of Police Station 2, the lead unit, and the Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) conducted a buy-bust that led to the arrest of two 39-year-old male tricycle drivers, both residents of Dagupan City. The suspects allegedly sold three bundles containing about 300 pieces of “kwitis” firecrackers for ₱2,100.

A follow-up search of the immediate area yielded additional evidence, including raw materials and chemicals believed to be used in the illegal manufacture of firecrackers. Police confiscated three bundles of “kwitis,” quantities of black, yellow-green, and white powder suspected to be explosive ingredients, assorted manufacturing paraphernalia, and the marked money used in the operation.

In a separate entrapment operation, personnel of Police Station 6, also in coordination with the CIU, arrested a 27-year-old male resident of Dagupan City for violation of Section 3 of RA 7183. Seized from the suspect were various prohibited pyrotechnic devices, including one Super Dark Bomb, one Bomb Pla-pla, six Whistle Bomb Jumbo units, eight C2 bombs, one Dynamite-type firecracker, and six Small Dark Bombs.

Authorities said criminal charges are now being prepared against them.

P/Brig. Gen. Dindo Reyes, regional director of PRO-1, said the operations underscore the police’s commitment to public safety, particularly during the holiday season.

“These operations reflect the dedication of our police personnel to strictly enforce the law against illegal firecracker activities,” Reyes said.

He added that public safety is their top priority.  (Eva Visperas)