Kidapawan vendors seek to defer ban on pyrotechnics, firecrackers

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines – Vendors of pyrotechnics and firecrackers here have urged the city government to defer the implementation of an ordinance that bans the sale of  their merchandise.

The Kidapawan City Fireworks Vendors Association, led by its president Edzel Ariel, said they are ready to forge a deal with the city officials that would allow them to sell only pyrotechnics that are safe to use for the Christmas and New Year revelry.

“We can assure our local officials that firecrackers will not be sold in any store, or roadside stall in the city. We will also help prevent smuggling of firecrackers into the city,” Ariel told journalists yesterday.

He said many of their member-traders have procured their supplies as early as August, and are stand to lose a huge amount of money if they would be prevented from selling their merchandise.

Earlier, Mayor Joseph Evangelista said he decided to enforce the ban this year to ensure public safety.

Councilor Francis Palmones said the city government is merely re-imposing a ban first promulgated in 1995.

The city council on Friday said they would decide on the vendors’ petition next week.