BOCAUE, Bulacan, Philippines — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo conducted Thursday an inspection of firecracker stores and warehouses here as well as in Sta. Maria town.

Robredo’s visit is part of the DILG’s last-ditch effort to prevent the manufacture, distribution and sale of banned and dangerous firecracker products in the market which would be used for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Holding an oversized firecracker called “Goodbye Philippines,” Robredo Thursday ordered the Philippines National Police (PNP) to intensify the crackdown against killer-types and imported firecrackers and prevent it from being sold to the public.

Robredo, together with Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO) director Senior Supt. Fernando H. Mendez Jr., and officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection, inspected different fireworks store here and in nearby Sta. Maria town were most pyrotechnics stores are located.

“I am directing the PNP to arrest and file charges against unscrupulous traders and individuals engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sale of the banned types of firecrackers which endangers the public, particularly small children,” Robredo said.