MANILA, Philippines — Pasig authorities have intensified operations against illegal fireworks sellers, with Mayor Vico Sotto reporting arrests and confiscations as the city enforces a strict no-permit policy ahead of the New Year, on Saturday.. Sotto said the Pasig police arrested an online seller on Friday, and seized the seller’s fireworks as part of a campaign against the sale of prohibited firecrackers. He said that for the first time, the Pasig local government did not issue any special permit to sell fireworks or firecrackers, adding that even applicants who personally appealed at city hall were denied. The mayor said Pasig’s proximity to fireworks manufacturers and distributors, and its boundaries with seven neighboring LGUs, continued to allow illegal fireworks to enter the city, similar to challenges seen in cross borders. Sotto said the Pasig LGU, Pasig police, the Public Order Department, and villages would continue conducting arrests, particularly targeting vendors selling banned fireworks, as part of efforts to ensure a safe New Year.