Public warned on cheap, oversized firecrackers

MALOLOS CITY, Philippines – Beware of cheap, oversized firecrackers.

This was the message of the Bulacan-based Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI) to holiday revelers as they urged the government to intensify the campaign against illegally manufactured and smuggled pyrotechnic products.

Vimmie Erese, PPMDAI president, said firecracker injuries are usually caused by illegally manufactured firecrackers that are either oversized or substandard.

Erese underscored the need to amend Republic Act 7183 which does not ban the use of firecrackers but only regulates their manufacture, sale, distribution and use.

She said that from 60 registered firecracker manufacturers last year, only 50 have renewed their registration due to high prices of chemicals used in making pyrotechnic products.

Erese expressed alarm that substandard firecrackers would flood the market as illegal manufacturers and unscrupulous traders would take advantage of the holidays. 

Meanwhile, Celso Cruz, president emeritus of PPMDAI, said smuggled pyrotechnic products are usually sold at lower prices but can be dangerous and are poor in quality.

The PPMDAI has conducted seminars on the safe use of firecrackers in Bulacan, Cebu, Bacolod, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and West Crame.

The training was attended by police officers, and manufacturers and dealers of pyrotechnic products.

As this developed, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) yesterday conducted a motorcade in seven provinces in Central Luzon in an effort to raise awareness on the safe use of firecrackers during the Yuletide season.

The motorcade was held in Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Aurora as part of the BFP’s “Ingat Paputok’’ campaign.

Officials of the Department of Health (DOH) led by Secretary Enrique Ona also inspected firecracker stores in Bocaue town.

Senior Superintendent Absolon Zipagan, BFP director for Central Luzon, said that since January, no major firecracker-related incidents have been recorded in Central Luzon.         – With Sheila Crisostomo