BACOLOD City – Authorities here seized over P26,000 worth of illegal firecrackers at the Reclamation Area on Christmas Eve.
Ernie Pineda, head of the Task Force Paputok, said the products confiscated from several stall retailers in the area are being sold without Product Standard markings.
He urged firecrackers vendors in the city to sell only items allowed under the Republic Act 7183.
“The Product Standard marking is important to ensure the items they are selling are in best quality,” Pineda stressed.
A total of 68 vendors have been issued special permits to sell in the designated area until December 31.
Pineda said vendors whose unlicensed items were confiscated have been warned not to commit more violations, or else they will be banned from selling.
They can also be detained and charged with violation of Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, he added.
Pineda also appealed to the public and the village officials to observe the prescribed and designated community zones for the use of firecrackers.
Earlier, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran issued Memorandum No. 60 enjoining Pineda to coordinate with the Bacolod City Police Office and Bureau of Fire Protection to ensure proper implementation and regulation of security and safety of the area.
There are only two licensed manufacturers in Negros Occidental – one in Bacolod City and another in Hinigaran town. The dealers also source items from Bulacan and supply these to vendors in Bacolod./PN
