PNP to crackdown vs illegal fireworks businesses

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it has launched intensified operations against unauthorized fireworks manufacturers after the tragic explosion at a fireworks factory in Norzagaray, Bulacan that killed two people.

“To all factory owners, sumunod po tayo sa batas. Kaligtasan muna bago kita,” PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

(Let’s obey the law. Safety first before profit.)

“The PNP will not hesitate to take legal action against violators who put lives at risk,” Nartatez added.

The PNP said its intensified campaign against unauthorized fireworks is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

This is to ensure the strict enforcement of safety regulations and eliminate illegal operations that endanger lives and property.

On Wednesday, two people, including a minor, were killed in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Barangay Partida in Norzagaray.

The explosion triggered a fire at around 11 a.m., which was eventually put out at 11:50 a.m. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blast.

The PNP said the factory allegedly operated without permits.

“Our local police units, in coordination with the BFP, Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), and the LGU, are currently gathering all necessary evidence,” Nartatez said.

“We are also interviewing witnesses and reviewing the factory’s compliance documents. Rest assured, we will get to the bottom of this incident and file appropriate charges kung kinakailangan (if needed),” he added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News