PNP reiterates warning vs use of firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday reiterated its warning to the public against the use of firecrackers during the holidays as it noted an increase in the number of firecracker manufacturers, dealers, and retailers this year.

Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles, PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) director, ordered his men to be strict in granting licenses to firecracker manufacturers, dealers, and retailers. Estilles echoed the statement of PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo that the PNP is supporting the Department of Health (DOH) “Iwas Paputok” campaign, which promotes the use of noisemakers other than fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.

But since some Filipinos cannot resist using firecrackers during the holiday, the PNP complemented the DOH “Iwas Paputok” with “PNP Ingat Paputok.”

Superintendent Roger Simon of the Explosives Division said so far, 60 manufacturers, 342 dealers, and 479 retailers have secured permits to sell firecrackers from the FEO.

Last Dec. 9, FEO records showed that there were only 243 dealers of firecrackers, far from the statistics last Nov. 30 with only 11.

Central Luzon (Region 3) has the most number of registered firecracker manufacturers, while other regions nationwide have an average of one to four firecracker makers.

Bocaue, a town in Bulacan, continues to be the country’s firecrackers capital, the PNP said. 

Estilles designated Senior Superintendent Allan Parreo, FEO-Explosives Division chief, and Simon to draw up plans to remind the public to take measures to ensure a holiday without accident or injury from the use of firecrackers.