DILG chief seeks ‘common firecracker areas’ for New Year revelry

If we have common poster areas during elections, why not a "firecracker explosion area" for New Year revelers?

If Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina would have his way, a designated safe zone in every barangay might be the only way to drastically cut down firecracker-related casualties and injuries occurring every year.

Lina proposed that all local government units should pass an ordinance designating an area for pyrotechnic aficionados to show off their fireworks out of harm’s way.

Lina said this would also prevent terrorists and criminal elements from taking advantage of the situation.

"At the height of the (New Year’s eve) revelry one can no longer determine if the exploding firecrackers are coming from a terrorist," he said.

The idea of having a safe zone was first adopted in Davao City. "The designation of so-called firecrackers area has already been proven successful in Davao City," Lina said.

Lina went on to remind the public to avoid pyrotechnics manufactured from China, as well as oversized firecrackers such as "Super Lolo" and "Pla-Pla," pyrotechnic devices primary blamed for firecracker-related deaths and injuries.

Lina said the government will strictly implement the guidelines set by law in the manufacture of pyrotechnics.

Firecrackers and pyrotechnic manufacturers in Bulacan are now in full swing in anticipating a renewed interest by the public in celebrating the New Year.

The rising costs as well as the increasing public awareness on injuries caused by firecrackers adversely affected sales of pyrotechnics every year.

Some resorted to manufacturing "heavier" and bigger firecrackers to boost their sales.

This prompted Bulacan police authorities to issue constant warnings to firecracker manufacturers to stay within the limit allowed by law.

Bulacan police director Senior Superintendent Felizardo Serapio said that since August, they are conducting inspections and reminding pyrotechnic manufacturers in the province to comply with the safety limits or face cancellation of their permits.

He explained a technically safe chemical content limit of a firecracker should not be more than 0.2 grams.

Central Luzon police director Chief Superintendent Oscar Calderon said they are monitoring the delivery of raw materials to fireworks manufacturers from their source to the point of delivery and distribution.

Calderon said this will prevent the possibility that firecracker materials might fall into the wrong hands. "These raw materials for fireworks could be used by terrorists in making powerful bombs," he said.

Down south, a Cagayan de Oro City councilor went on further by proposing a ban on all pyrotechnic devices in the city.

Councilor Reynaldo Advincula said only sparklers should be allowed.

"We cannot take lightly the threat of terrorists and bombers from wreaking havoc in the city," he said.

Advincula expressed his fears that the city would be the next target of bombings where terrorists will take advantage of the New Year revelry.

Another councilor, Juan Sia, has opposed the ban by claiming it would have no clear and positive effect in preventing terrorist attacks.

Advincula stressed the celebration of New Year should always be greeted traditionally by not necessarily exposing any life and limb, much in the same way militant groups conduct a noise barrage. — With reports from Ric Sapnu, Bong Fabe