PNP imposes new requirement for retailers of pyrotechnics

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine National Police through the regional Firearms and Explosive Division released yesterday a new requirement for firecrackers and pyrotechnic retailers throughout the country.

During the last Talakayan sa Isyong Pulis (TSIP) forum at Police Regional Office–7 FED Chief Rex Derilo told members of the media that Camp Crame released last Friday another requirement for firecrackers and pyrotechnic retailers.

Derilo said that aside from the normal required permits retailers need, their headquarters also released a new directive giving police regional directors the sole power to allow vendors to sell.

“Only the regional director has the sole power to allow retailers to sell,” he said.

For the past years the mayor’s permit is the final document needed by retailers to start selling, but with the new directive, the mayor’s permit becomes only a prerequisite for the regional director’s permit.

“Before it was the LGU who gives the final permit, now it is the regional director,” said Regional Deputy for Operations Sr. Supt. Louie Oppus who represented PRO-7 Director Marcelo Garbo Jr.

Oppus said that the new policy is not an added burden for retailers but a simple added precautionary measure to monitor and prevent illegal distribution of the firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

“We really just want a cheerful and safe Christmas and we are not harsh, we just want the law to be followed,” Oppus said.   

In order to get the required directors permit, retailers need to prepare an applicants request, barangay clearance, police clearance, fire safety clearances, mayor’s permit, an authorization and certification document to retail from their respected manufacturers and dealers and a retail license fee of P1,000.

Though December has started, Derilo said that no retailer has applied for the director’s permit.

“Wala pa’y naka-apply og permit sa RD,” he said. 

Failure to follow rules will lead to the confiscation of a retailer’s merchandise and appropriate fines.

Further, he likewise assured that their office is strengthening their campaign against the illegal manufacture and sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in the market.

Derilo said they are closely coordinating with their local counterparts to implement Republic Act 7183 or the act regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Oppus likewise urge local government units to study RA 7183 so they can help police implement the law.

He said that unlike Cebu City and other cities in Cebu Province, most of the LGUs in Central Visayas have not initiated steps in order to easily implement the said law.

Based on the law, only baby rockets, bawang, paper caps, El Diablo, Judas’ belt, sky rocket (kwitis), and other similar firecrackers are allowed by the FED.

For smaller pyrotechnics only sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistlebomb, butterfly and among others. 

Those considered oversized (super lolo, super thunder and goodbye Philippines), imported and unmarked firecrackers are prohibited.  (FREEMAN)