Cops: Firecracker shippers must first secure a permit

CEBU, Philippines - Police reminded buyers of firecrackers to secure a permit first before they could ship the items to any point from Cebu via shipping vessels.

This was the reminder of Supt. Marvin Sanchez, chief of Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory Section.

Sanchez, during the Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) forum, said buyers can secure a permit from FESSAGS, which only allows cargo vessels to load a maximum of 50 kilos of firecrackers.

Buyers are also forewarned that shipping vessels have the prerogative to reject loading firecrackers without permit.

Supt. Henry Biñas of the Mandaue City Police Office said those who have permit cannot also force the shipping management to allow their firecrackers on board the vessel.

“Dili mo kapugos nila; that’s their prerogative. Bisan pa if makapakita ka nila sa permit,” said Biñas, a lawyer.

In the past, most owners of shipping vessels in Cebu would not allow the transportation of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in their vessel, citing security reasons.

“I will not risk the safety of my crew, the passengers, and the vessel,” said Chester Cokaliong, chief executive officer of Cokaliong Shipping Company.

Cokaliong said his order was not to allow firecrackers products in his vessel after previously observing that such items are not declared.

“Swerte na lang na makabantay ‘ta,” Cokaliong said.

He said they have confiscated a number of firecrackers before but held nobody since no one would claim ownership. The items were turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard, he said.

Aside from monitoring firecracker manufacturers, police in Central Visayas are confiscating firecrackers and other related products outside the firecracker zones.  (FREEMAN)