PCG: Joint Operatives of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Batangas and elements of Coast Guard K9 team Batangas together with PPA Port Police and Asian Terminals Incorporation Security Guard, conducted a random inspection inside and outside the premises of PPA Passenger Terminal building, Marshalling area and adjacent PPA perimeter areas of Batangas Port in Brgy Sta. Clara, Batangas City last Saturday, November 21.

Acting on the directive of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Batangas Commander, CAPT GREGORIO I ADEL PCG to remain vigilant against any forms of illegal activities in all ports in the AOR, the operatives with explosive detection Dog “JASMIN” conducted random inspection at the Marshalling area where the team spotted a pile of unlabeled and abandoned boxes.

Jasmin positively indicated for the presence of explosives. The area was cordoned and upon closer inspection by CGK9 Team Batangas, they found out that the pile of boxes contain some branded firecrackers and aerial fireworks (kwitis). Said items were turned-over to said Station and inventoried as listed below:

Twenty Five (25) Bundles of KWITIS containing 100 pieces each

Thirteen (13) Bundles of 5,000-RoundsJudas belt

Two (2) Rolls of 10,000-RoundsJudas belt

One (1) Roll 3,000-Round Judas belt

Four (4) Sets of 7-Shots luck fireworks

Four (4) Sets of 7-Shots rich fireworks

Two (2) Sets of 7-Shots bombshell fireworks

Two (2) Sets of 9-Shots splendid fireworks

One (1) Box of Diamond fireworks containing twenty (20) packs each

One (1) Box of 64-Shot diamond fireworks containing two (2) pieces each

One (1) Box of lf 16-Shots diamond fireworks containing eight (8) packs each

Upon further investigation of CGS Batangas, the above listed Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic devices are estimated to have a total market value of Php 159,500.00. It was supposed to be transported to Mindoro or Western Visayas provinces for sale or distribution but was deliberately abandoned by an unknown shipper, upon learning that Port Authorities are conducting inspection and they may be apprehended and detained for violation of RA 7183 (An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices), its Implementing Rules and Regulations and, joint Memorandum Circular 01-2014 (issued by DILG, DOH, DOF and DTI).

The inventory of the confiscated items was terminated the following day and the said items were stored aboard this station for safe keeping and proper disposition.