Firecracker zone meant to protect public

CEBU, Philippines - The police and fire officials in Mandaue City yesterday said putting up a firecracker zone at the parking area at Parkmall is meant to protect the vendors and the buying public.

 Authorities said the firecracker bazaar at the mall, organized by Dragon Fireworks, is safe.

 Mandaue City fire marshall Fire Chief Inspector Rogelio Bongabong, Jr. in yesterday's press conference said vendors at the bazaar have permits.

 Bongabong, who inspected the zone yesterday, reminded vendors to also consider the welfare of customers, not only of themselves.

 Accompanying Bongabong at the zone were Police Superintendent Jonathen Abella of the Mandaue Police Command, Fire Investigator SFO4 Roy Garcia, and Dragon Fireworks sales and marketing manager Jonathan Gesalem.

 Bongabong said assigning a designated place for the sale of pyrotechnics was in response to a Mandaue City ordinance.

 He said that after the firecracker blaze last year in the city that killed at least three people - including two children - and injured six others on Christmas Eve, the police and the fire department immediately received directives from their superiors and Mayor Cortes indicating that they strictly enforce the law this year.

 The area beside the Mandaue City Sports Complex in the city has been declared a firecracker zone for the Christmas and New Year revelries, but the lack of safety measures pointed as one reason of the incident.

 Jonathan Gesalem, sales and marketing manager of Dragon Fireworks expressed satisfaction with the granting by Mayor Jonas Cortes and the Bureau of Fire and Protection of their permit.

 Gesalem said they started displaying their products at Parkmall last December 20.- Jose P. Sollano

 He said changes in the venue of the zone affected their preparation but assured that next year they will make sure they will have enough time to prepare.

 "Tingali sa sunod nga tuig makahimo na gayud kita sa halapad nga pagpangandam," said Gesalem.

 Sylvia Ymbong, president of S and N Marketing, assured that her pyrotechnics were made according to specifications approved by law unlike those made by some unlicensed makers in barangay Babag in Lapu-Lapu City.

 Cortes had said that regulating the sale of pyrotechnic items will remain the city's primary concern.

 Gesalem said they are selling their products until tonight and assured the buying public that safety is their first concern. – (FREEMAN)