Council passes "lantaka" ordinance on final reading

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council passed on final reading the ordinance declaring the manufacture, use and even mere possession of improvised cannon or “lantaka” as illegal within its territorial jurisdiction.

The ordinance, as soon as it is approved by Mayor Michael Rama, makes the manufacture, use and possession of improvised cannon unlawful in Cebu City. Anybody caught violating the ordinance will be fined up to P5,000.

The copy of the ordinance will be forwarded to the office of the mayor for signature and will be published in the newspapers before it becomes effective.

The procedure is that any law or ordinance can be implemented only 15 days after its publication purposely to inform the constituents of the latest law.

“Ang mga opisyal sa kabarangayan pinaagi sa ilang mga tanod kina-hanglang mopatuman gayud niining maong ordinansa aron kalikayan nato ang mga panghitabo nga dunay mamatay o masamad tungod sa lantaka,” Councilor Edgardo Labella said.

Labella, author of the ordinance, is hoping that this will minimize the incidents of children being injured or even die because of the said dangerous toy.

Cebu City deputy police director Armando Radoc said that once the new ordinance is implemented they will immediately start confiscating it and arrest the violators.

Improvised cannons are usually made of PVC pipes or empty cans as barrel. The children will use lighter fluid or alcohol so the improvised cannon will explode. It becomes dangerous when a hard object is placed inside the barrel that serves as its bullet.

The improvised toy is often seen being played around by children during Christmas season. The improper use of improvised cannon has already caused not only injury but death as well.

In Talisay City, a boy died two years ago because of injuries he sustained from improvised cannon. (FREEMAN)