If you don’t want to start the New Year in jail, don’t use fireworks in places that have not been designated for these.

This was the warning of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 after they started their crackdown on illegal firecrackers in Central Visayas.

Supt. Reyman Tolentin said they are closely coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) in monitoring possible victims of firecrackers and stray bullets.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7 arrested two alleged sellers of prohibited firecrackers in Barangay Ermita, Cebu City yesterday afternoon.

Seized were P130,000 worth of firecrackers. Arrested were Mauricio Montilla Jr. and Damaso Winceslao, 24. They allegedly fail to show documents for the firecrackers.

CIDG 7 said that George Tan, the owner/manager of G.T. Commercial, will face charges for violation of RA 7183 in relation to EO 28, an act that regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers.

Tolentin urged netizens that if they catch police officers illegally discharging their firearms and civilians using illegal fireworks, they can tag authorities on social networking sites to start an investigation. / JOB