The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has successfully dismantled 115 online platforms that were involved in the sale of illegal firecrackers. The breakdown of these platforms includes 59 Facebook pages, 54 accounts on X (previously known as Twitter), one website, and one account on the audio streaming service Spotify. Additionally, the PNP-ACG is currently monitoring another 208 online platforms suspected of similar illegal activities.
Acting chief of the PNP-ACG, Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, emphasized the group’s commitment to intensifying cyber patrols to combat these illegal operations. Yang stated that upon detecting any violations, the group would promptly request the removal of the offending pages. He highlighted that their cyber patrollers are actively submitting reports on these violations, reminding the public that such activities contravene the law and are punishable by fines and imprisonment.
The sale of illegal firecrackers is regulated under Republic Act 7183, which imposes fines ranging from PHP20,000 to PHP30,000 and a maximum of one year in prison. Furthermore, the use of online platforms for these illegal sales also violates Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Between December 6 and 26, the PNP-ACG conducted eight operations targeting the online sale of banned firecrackers, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals and the confiscation of firecrackers valued at PHP76,400.