National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina reported that a total of P1.6 million worth of illegal pyrotechnic materials have been seized by their various offices since December 28.
Majority of these were taken by the Quezon City Police which totaled P700,000, while the Eastern Police District collected approximately P350,000 worth of illegal firecrackers and the Manila Police District seized P242,000 worth. The Northern Police District and Southern Police District confiscated a total of P188,000 and P170,000 worth of banned items.
Along with this, the NCRPO also arrested 215 people linked with the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of such prohibited merchandise.
Meanwhile, the Inquirer reported that at least nine people were taken into custody for indiscriminate firing.
The NCRPO also reminds gun owners of the gun ban in preparation for the upcoming May elections, which covers the period of Jan. 13 to June 12.
Only uniformed law enforcers on duty and those authorized by the Commission on Elections are granted permission to carry firearms.
