BFP asks Pinoys: Don’t use firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos should avoid using firecrackers and other pyrotechnics this holiday season, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said yesterday.

BFP officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Ruben Bearis Jr. said they issued the warning so the public can “avoid not only pyrotechnics-related accidents that may cause loss of precious lives but also loss of valued investments due to fires.”

He said parents should not to allow their children to play with “watusi,” a popular but poisonous firework, as children sometimes mistake it for candy.

The BFP intensified its “Oplan Paalala” drive to lessen if not totally eliminate, fire incidents and accidents caused by pyrotechnics use.

“Firefighters are now closely monitoring, through intensified inspection campaign, pyrotechnics factories and selling shops, particularly in Bulacan, to ensure that fire safety standards are strictly enforced,” he added.

The BFP also launched its Yuletide Season fire safety infomercial, which is being aired by radio and television networks. The infomercial can also be viewed on the BFP’s website, www.bfpresponse.gov.ph.

“Firefighters and employees in the BFP national headquarters are also set to troop to different shopping malls in Metro Manila to distribute fire prevention campaign leaflets, brochures, poster-calendars to throng of shoppers to encourage them to actively participate in the safety and fire prevention program of the government,” Bearis said.

He also ordered the deployment of firetrucks and firefighters to identified fire-prone areas on New Year’s Eve to ensure immediate response.

Caloocan to arrest ’cracker zone violators

Meanwhile, Caloocan Mayor Enrico Echiverri directed city police chief Senior Superintendent Rimas Calixto to arrest violators of firecracker zones during the New Year’s Eve revelry.

He said Calixto should coordinate with Councilor Ricojudge Echiverri, Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas president, in reminding the city’s 188 village leaders to establish their respective firecracker zones.

“I’m appealing to the residents to observe the firecracker zone for their own safety or they would be arrested,” Echiverri said.

He said it would be safer if residents just watch fireworks displays, attend street parties or go back to using safe noisemakers to welcome the New Year.

 – With Pete Laude