The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) is continuously monitoring the online sale of newly branded firecrackers such as “Zaldy Co” and “Discaya” ahead of the Christmas season.

ACG Director PBGen. Wilson Asueta warned that the online sale of firecrackers—legal or illegal—is prohibited, stressing that explosive items sold on social media do not comply with safety standards.

Since early December, ten individuals have been arrested in seven operations across Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, and Nueva Ecija for selling firecrackers online. Authorities are also investigating the source of the illegal products.

Asueta said some of the most frequently bought firecrackers on social media include “King Kong” and “Tuna.”

“Lahat ng mga ganyan, basta ipinagbabawal at ito ay di naayon sa standard component... lalo na pag mayroong explosive components, mas lalo itong pinagbabawal. Well, mayroon kaming na-monitor kaya ito ay tinututukan na natin,” Asueta said

The PNP continues to intensify surveillance to curb the illegal trade of high-risk firecrackers online.