Establish firecracker and pyrotechnic zones, LGUs reminded

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA-8)
December 18, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Interior and Local Government reiterated its call for local government units to establish firecracker and pyrotechnic zones where people may light firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in celebrating Christmas and the New Year.

DILG Region 8 Director Pedro Noval Jr. informed this was contained in the memo circular dated December 6, 2012 signed by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, in an effort to minimize casualties that come with the revelry this holiday season especially on New Year’s Day.

The Provincial Governors, City and Municipal Mayors and Punong Barangays are also directed to designate an area where people may sell firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Moreover, in furtherance of public safety, public order and national security during the upcoming holiday season, enjoined local chief executives to regulate the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in their respective localities as mandated by Republic Act 7183.

The local authorities are called upon to see to it that only the following types of firecrackers are manufactured, sold, distributed or used namely, baby rocket, “bawang,” small triangulo, pulling of string, paper cups, el Diablo, Judah’s belt, sky rocket (kwitis) and other types equivalent in explosive content.

For pyrotechnic devices, those that are allowed are sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo, mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle device, butterfly, among others.

All local officials are directed to take the lead in the conduct of an information campaign on the proper use of all kinds of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. They must warn people on the danger that polyvinyl pipes or boga may bring to users and others.

Furthermore, local authorities are urged to be watchful of radical groups that may take advantage of the holiday season’s merriment for their lawless designs.