CAGAYAN
DE ORO CITY: The Regional Task Force on Illegal Firecrackers (RTFIF) is
building up its strength in its anti- firecrackers drive this Yuletide season.
DILG
regional director Rene K. Burdeos said a joint memo has enjoined the PNP, BFP,
DOH, DTI, DOF, BOC and LGUs on the regulation of the sale, manufacture,
distribution and use of firecrackers, including the polyvinyl pipe “boga” and
other pyrotechnic devices,
The
memo adopts the advocacy campaigns and preventive measures from firecracker and
firework injuries or death and damage to properties, during Christmas and New
Year’s celebration.
Burdeos
added their circular is to promote public safety, order and national security, pursuant
to RA 7183, the firecrackers law.
He
then reminded everyone to enforce existing laws and prohibit the sale of
firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices that may cause injuries or death.
The
director directed both the PNP and BFP “to conduct intensified joint
inspections of manufacturing sites and warehouses” to avoid disaster in
stockpiling of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Provincial
governors, city and municipal mayors and barangay captains are likewise
reminded of their roles and responsibilities under RA 7183.
The
law on firecrackers limits its manufacture, distribution, sale and use to a
limited number of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to promote public health and
safety.
RA
7183 states that only accredited manufacturers with appropriate business
permits and licenses are allowed to produce “baby rockets,” “bawang,” “small
trianggulo,” “pulling of strings,” “paper caps,” “el diablo,” “Judah’s belt,”
“sky rocket or kwitis,” and other types with limited explosive contents.
For pyrotechnics, those allowed are “mabuhay,”
“Roman candle,” “trompillo,” “whistle device,” “butterfly,” “foundation,”
“jumbo regular,” “luces,” “sparklers,” all kinds of pyrotechnic “pailaw.”
Burdeos
reiterated the local officials are to coordinate with the PNP and BFP to
prevent the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of “deadly” firecrackers
and pyrotechnics and devices that lead to tragic deaths, injuries or cause
destructive fires.
Under
the law, certain firecrackers and pyrotechnics including “atomic big,”
“trianggulo,” “super lolo,” “giant whistle bomb” and other types of firecracker
with more than 0.2 grams or more 1/3 teaspoon of explosives, firecrackers which
are oversized, firecrackers which fuse burns in less than 3 seconds or more
than 6 seconds are prohibited.
The
order specifically mentioned the danger of using improvised guns, particularly
“boga,” which became popular among New Year revelers.(WITH REPORTS FROM PIA)