Mandaue council warns vs hazardous kite strings

CEBU, Philippines —  The Mandaue City Council has expressed grave concern over the use of hazardous kite strings and called for stricter measures to prevent injuries, fatalities, and damage to infrastructure.

The council, through a resolution it approved, noted the growing risks associated with kite-flying, a popular pastime during the summer season. It specifically warns against the use of “manja,” or glass-coated or chemically reinforced strings, as well as metallic wires and high-tension nylon lines.

Councilor Carlo Fortuna said these materials pose serious threats to public safety, particularly to motorists and pedestrians who may encounter stray lines.

“Daghan pod diri sa Mandaue nga nagpalupad og tabanog,” said Fortuna in an interview.

This comes after two separate incidents in which motorcycle riders were injured when kite strings snagged their necks while traversing the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Although the incidents occurred on CCLEX, Fortuna noted that the kite strings may have originated from areas far from the bridge.

“Layo og naabtan since naabot man sa bridge,” he said.

He added that it is also possible for kite strings to reach bridges within Mandaue City, such as the Serging Veloso Osmeña Jr. Bridge and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge.

Fortuna cited cases of severe lacerations and even fatalities linked to hazardous kite strings, including a recent incident in which a motorist sustained critical injuries.

The council also raised concerns about potential damage to public utilities. Entanglement of kite strings with power and telecommunications lines can lead to short circuits, costly infrastructure damage, and widespread service interruptions.

“Ang risgo sa injury ug disgrasya naa gyud. Di lang ta maghuwat nga madugangan,” said Fortuna, explaining why he pushed for the resolution.

The resolution, authored by Fortuna, strongly discourages the use of hazardous kite strings in residential and high-traffic areas. Instead, it recommends safer alternatives such as cotton-based strings.

“Kanang mga dagko nga tabanog mas gahi na. Nylon ang gamiton ana. Kung makaagi ka ana, mahiwa ka ana mura na og blade,” he said.

The measure also calls on local authorities, including the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Mandaue City, and barangay public safety officers, to conduct patrols in known kite-flying areas and intervene when necessary.

Fortuna clarified that kite-flying itself is not illegal, acknowledging it as a recreational activity.

“Ang pagpalupad sa tabanog dili illegal. We will not prohibit that, but ang ato lang unsa ang materials nga gamiton nga dili maka-cause og disgrasya,” he said.

To further strengthen public awareness, the council directed the city’s Public Information Office, the Liga ng mga Barangay, and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation to disseminate safety information through traditional and digital platforms.

The resolution emphasized the need to safeguard both residents and public infrastructure while allowing recreational activities to continue responsibly. — (FREEMAN)