Cops step up drive vs. illegal pyros

CEBU, Philippines - Police in Central Visayas are intensifying their campaign against prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnics to further lessen the firecracker-related incidents on New Year’s Eve.

Superintendent Rex Derilo, who heads the Firearms Explosives Section, said firecracker-related incidents this Christmas were 33 percent lower compared to last year, and they aim to lessen it even more on New Year’s when, historically, more firecracker injuries are reported.

Through the media, Derilo yesterday presented replicas of seven prohibited firecrackers, which he urged the public to refrain from using.

These firecrackers are identified as the Gangnam Bomb, Pacman, Goodbye Philippines, Pla-pla, Super Lolo, Super Thunder and Piccolo.  Derilo called on the public to avoid using such firecrackers particularly Super Lolo and Piccolo, which are imported.

He also urged the people to report to them anybody using the prohibited firecrackers.

“They are prohibited firecrackers because they are oversized. Prohibited sad ‘nang mga imported finished products, kanang mga firecrackers na wala mailhi sa Pilipinas,” he said.

The FES chief said the standard firecracker should not contain more than 1/3 teaspoon of powder and should have a burning time of not less than three seconds and not more than six seconds.

The firecrackers allowed are the Baby Rocket, Bawang, Pulling of String, Paper Caps, El Diablo, Judas’ Belt, Kuwitis and other types that qualify the standard.

The allowed types of pyrotechnic devices are the Sparklers, Luces, Fountain, Jumbo Regular and Special, Mabuhay, Roman Candle, Trompillo, Airwolf, Whistle Device, and Butterfly, among others.

Last Christmas, FES statistics shows that 16 people were injured due to firecrackers, 10 of them were residents of Cebu City.

In Cebu City, Derilo said fireworks should be lit in designated areas identified by the city government and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Charges for violating Republic Act 7183 or the Act Regulating the Sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, will be filed against the violators.

Meanwhile, about P30,000 worth of firecrackers illegally displayed were confiscated by the Provincial Intelligence Branch in separate operations in the control and supervision of the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Several and assorted packs of firecrackers like Saturn Missiles, Flaming Balls, Flash Thunder and Piccolo were seized separately during the operation.

The first operation was conducted last Sunday in Barangay Poblacion 2, Carcar City and in Barangay Ibo, Toledo City.

PO3 Cielo Quimat of the PIB said the firecrackers were displayed along the road which prompted them to confiscate them.

“Duna silay permit gipakita pero illegal man ilang display gikuha gihapon namo,” Quimat said.

The second operation was last Wednesday afternoon where operatives raided stalls in Barangay Cansaga, Consolacion; and in barangays Poblacion and Tayud in Liloan. 

These were also seized also due to illegal display.

The confiscated firecrackers are now at the PIB office. (FREEMAN)