As Christmas and New Year celebrations draw near, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is taking proactive steps to prevent firecracker-related injuries. In a move to ensure public safety, the city's top cop personally led a surprise inspection on vendors.
Surprise Inspection at Designated Sales Area
Police Colonel George Ylanan, chief of the CCPO, conducted an unannounced check on Friday noon, December 19, 2025. The operation took place at the South Road Properties (SRP), the officially designated area for selling fireworks in the city. He was joined by personnel from the Regional Civil Security Unit 7 and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The primary goal of the inspection was to verify if all vendors were complying with regulations and possessed complete permits from relevant government agencies. Colonel Ylanan revealed that most businesses were operating within the bounds of the law.
Compliance and a Common Oversight
While overall compliance was good, authorities noted one frequent lapse. "They all followed the law except for the common oversight of not prominently displaying their permits," Ylanan stated. He emphasized that vendors must plastar (display) their permits visibly for public and official scrutiny.
Part of the inspection also focused on the origin of the fireworks. Police checked if vendors at SRP were selling imported firecrackers. The inspection confirmed that all products on display were manufactured in the Philippines.
List of Strictly Prohibited Firecrackers
Authorities reiterated the ban on powerful and dangerous pyrotechnic devices. The public is warned that the following items, among others, are illegal:
- Watusi, Piccolo, 5 Star, Giant Bawang
- Atomic Bomb, Super Lolo, Bin Ladin, Boga
- Kwiton, Pillbox, Super Yolanda, Hello Colombia
- GPH Nuclear, Kingkong, Goodbye Philippines, Coke in Can
This list includes notorious firecrackers known for causing severe injuries, particularly to children.
Strict Enforcement Outside Designated Zone
Colonel Ylanan issued a stern warning to those planning to sell outside the authorized SRP zone. "If anyone is caught selling firecrackers outside the designated display area, which is SRP, we will definitely confiscate them," he declared. This enforcement is crucial to control sales and minimize the risk of accidents in residential and crowded areas.
The police operation underscores the government's campaign for a safer and more regulated holiday season. By concentrating sales in one area and strictly monitoring compliance, authorities aim to significantly reduce emergencies commonly associated with festive revelry.
