ILOILO City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) hopes for lower if not totally zero cases of firecracker-related fire incidents this holiday season. “Do not allow young children to play with firecrackers. Adults must supervise fireworks activities,” said Chief Inspector Christopher Regencia, city fire marshal.
BFP here has stepped up its information dissemination campaign urging the public to follow firecracker safety regulations.
It is not totally prohibiting the use or sale of firecrackers. Regencia said, however, that people must not patronize firecrackers that have been specifically banned due to the enormous risks they pose.
Among these banned firecrackers are piccolo, super lolo, pla-pla, Goodbye Philippines, and watusi.
“Firecrackers and pyrotechnics are the leading causes of fire, particularly during New Year celebrations. We are warning the public not to use banned firecrackers to prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths,” said Regencia.
To those selling firecrackers and pyrotechnics, Regencia said permits from the BFP, Philippine National Police and city government must be secured first.
“Those with no permits won’t be allowed to do business. If they do, their merchandize would be confiscated,” said Regencia.
City authorities have identified only three areas so far where vendors could sell firecrackers and pyrotechnics – Muelle Loney, City Proper facing the Iloilo river; Barangay Buhang, Jaro district; and circumferential road in Arevalo district.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) No. 28 in June 2017 limiting the use of firecrackers. He specifically confined the use of firecrackers to community fireworks display.
“(There) continues to be a substantial number of firecracker-related injuries, even casualties, every year, some involving bystanders,” part of the EO read.
Due to firecracker-related injuries and deaths, “the promulgation of stricter national standards, rules and regulations is warranted,” it stressed.
According to the EO, a community fireworks display must be “conducted under the supervision of a trained person duly licensed by the Philippine National Police.”
It should also be “allowed by the municipality/city concerned through a permit specifying the date and time of fireworks display and the specific area in which the display will be conducted, in conformity with national standards, rules andRuby sil regulations.”/PN
