Group urges PNP, LGUs to address sale of illegal firecrackers

CEBU, Philippines — Five days before New Year’s Eve, a group that advocates against the use of toxic materials  is asking the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units (LGUs) to address the rampant sale of prohibited and hazardous firecrackers.

“We urge the PNP and LGUs to intensify on-site monitoring and confiscating illegal firecrackers as New Year’s Eve approaches,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.

BAN Toxics is an independent non-government environmental organization that works for the advancement of environmental justice, health, and sustainable development.

In a statement released to the media, BAN Toxics noted how merchants are currently showcasing various noise-makers for New Year celebration, including firecrackers and fireworks, which raises concerns about public safety.

Prohibited firecrackers have consistently been identified as a major culprit in firecracker-related injuries in recent years, the group said.

During the recent “Iwas Paputok” monitoring conducted by BT Patrollers on December 26 in Tabora and M. de Santos Street in Divisoria, the group documented and purchased various illegal firecrackers, including Atomic, Piccolo in various sizes, Special Pla-pla packs of ten, Whistle Bombs, Bawang and Five-Star, and even a “Dugong” – a triangular firecracker measuring 12 by 8.5 inches, obtained discreetly from an ambulant store.

“Itong patuloy na pagbebenta ng mga illegal na paputok ay sadyang nakakabahala at nakakatakot kung ito ay napasakamay ng publiko, lalo na ng mga bata. Peligroso ang mga paputok sa kalusugan at maging sa ating kalikasan,” Dizon explained. — PR/ATO (FREEMAN)