Zamboanga bans use, sale of firecrackers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -  The city government imposed the ban on the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in this city following the recent siege  here that kept residents scared of explosions.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle climaco-Salazar issued an executive order Tuesday directing the temporary suspension on the display and use as well as sale and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in this city for the yuletide season.

The ban on the firecracker and pyrotechnics placed the city as the second city in the country to do so following Davao City which has been totally banning the use of any firecrackers and pyrotechnics for several years now.

Salazar, however, in her order said the business permits may be issued to licensed dealers in this city for the purpose of distribution and use outside the city.

The city council has earlier recommended to the mayor the suspension of the sale, distribution and use of  the firecrackers and pyrotechnics within the city.

Councilor Benjamin BG Guingona III said the use of firecrackers or pyrotechnics causes public anxiety because of the recent crisis.

The city has not lifted the citywide curfew from 12 midnight to 4 a.m. due to the prevailing security concerns.

Fr. Karel San Juan, newly installed president of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), said they have also discouraged the use of fireworks in the forthcoming alumni homecoming and the torch parade in the Ateneo fiesta he now dubbed as “Peaceta.”

San Juan, who is the fourth ADZU president since its founding as the second oldest outside Ateneo de Manila University, will be conferred as president during an investiture this Saturday.

San Juan said their decision to do away with the use of fireworks and torch parade is made to abide by the city order.