Authorities in Cebu City have ramped up their surveillance of firecracker sales in the lead-up to the Christmas holiday celebrations. The police are conducting patrols to ensure that only authorized vendors are operating within the single, designated selling area.
Strict Limits on Authorized Sellers
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Losbaños, the information officer of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), official records show a very limited number of permitted sellers. Only 18 retailers have been granted the necessary permit from the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU 7) and the city government to operate this season.
These authorized vendors are confined to a specific designated area along the South Coastal Road. Lieutenant Colonel Losbaños made it clear that selling firecrackers on city sidewalks is strictly prohibited. The South Coastal Road is the sole location where retailers can display and sell their merchandise.
Police Patrols and Confiscation Warnings
The CCPO has already begun its monitoring operations across the city's streets. Police personnel are actively looking for illegal vendors. Their procedure involves an initial warning to those found selling without a permit.
However, if vendors refuse to comply, officers will move to confiscate their entire inventory. The police emphasize that any seller operating without the proper authorization from both RCSU7 and the Cebu City government faces having their goods seized.
Ensuring a Safe Holiday Season
This crackdown is part of a broader effort to maintain public safety and order during the festive period. By centralizing sales in one controlled area and limiting the number of vendors, authorities aim to reduce the risks associated with unregulated firecracker use.
The message from the Cebu City Police Office is unequivocal: they will enforce the rules to ensure that Christmas celebrations are both joyful and safe for all residents. The public is advised to only purchase firecrackers from the authorized retailers at the official South Coastal Road site.
