2 firecracker stores in Bulacan explode

BOCAUE, Bulacan —Two firecracker stores that reportedly have stocks of unsold pyrotechnic products here exploded yesterday afternoon and razed at least P200,000 worth of properties, but no casualty was reported.

Superintendent Manny Lopez, chief of police, said a certain Pacita Manahan y Parulan own the stores that bears her initials.

Investigation showed that PMP Fireworks stores have unsold products stocked inside its premises.

Police said the hot weather condition inside the store premises may have led to the explosion at around 1:45 p.m. As of press time, police were still trying to determine the cause of the explosion.

The explosion damaged the two stores and burned P100,000 to P200,000 worth of products and other properties.

The fire was contained after 30 minutes.

Earlier, Bocaue Mayor Serafin dela Cruz reminded firecracker stall owners here to limit their inventory inside the stores to 25 kilograms to avoid fatal explosions.

The same is advised by the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI)

PPMDAI said the 25-kilo limit may not prevent explosions but it will surely reduce damage to lives and properties.

The last pyrotechnics-related explosion recorded here was on Dec. 31, 2004 when a number of stores exploded, killing at least seven persons, including children.

The incident led Dela Cruz to propose the establishment of a "Fireworks City" here, but more than a year after it was proposed, the mayor still has to come up with the plan.