PNP warns public on buying powerful firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the people yesterday that new powerful and illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics are expected to flood the market this Christmas season.

Superintendent Rogelio Simon, assistant division chief of the PNP’s Fireworks and Explosive Office, said that even if the new pyrotechnics are not included in the

list of banned items, the powerful fireworks could not be sold to the public if they exceed the limit for explosive contents.

“Oversized firecrackers and those with over 0.2 grams of explosives and those with fuse burning time of less than three seconds are also banned, whether or not they are in the list,” Simon noted in a press briefing at the Department of Health (DOH) for this year’s “Kampanya Kontra Paputok” program of the government.

Under Republic Act 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices, firecrackers that are allowed include baby rocket, bawang, small triangulo, paper caps, el diablo, Judas belt and skyrocket.

The pyrotechnics that are not banned are sparklers, luces, fountain, mabuhay, Roman candle and trompillo.

Piccolo, a type of firecracker that is popular among kids, and boga, an improvised cannon, are not in the list but are prohibited by virtue of a PNP directive.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona has reiterated the department’s calls against the use of these devices in ushering in the New Year.

Ona noted that parents should particularly restrict their children from using firecrackers. In previous revelries, a majority of those injured from fireworks blasts were children.

“It’s hard to break custom and tradition. But we have to redirect for our own safety,” he added.

Firecracker zones proposed

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo called on city and town mayors to designate specific areas as “firecracker and pyrotechnic zones” to ensure a safe and secure Yuletide and New Year’s celebration.

Robredo said local officials should promote alternative forms of noisemaking to help ensure zero casualties during the holiday season.

He said local officials should designate specific areas in their respective communities where vendors may sell firecrackers and where people may use them. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe