Police warn vs illegal firecrackers

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

BACOLOD City Police Office (BCPO) Director Senior Superintendent Ricardo De la Paz warned the public Tuesday not to buy firecrackers and pyrotechnics from unauthorized dealers.

De la Paz said the public should buy firecrackers and pyrotechnics only at the designated area at the New Government Center.

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The city director also warned the firecrackers and pyrotechnics dealers not to sell their items outside the designated area. Those who will be caught selling outside the designated area will be arrested, he said.

For their own safety during New Year’s Eve, De la Paz also advised the public to be wary on the type of firecrackers and pyrotechnics devices they will buy.

BCPO’s Operation Branch head Police Chief Inspector Noel Polines earlier said vendors are allowed to display and sell only baby rockets, small triangulos, pulling strings, bawang, paper caps and kwitis, among others.

As to pyrotechnics, only sparklers, luces, fountain, roman candles, airwolf and whistle devices are allowed, he added.

Atomic bug, big triangle, mother rocket, five star, super lolo and other powerful firecrackers which can endanger one’s life are strictly prohibited, while piccolos and watusis are also prohibited for minors, Polines said.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome also issued an order to all PNP unit commanders to intensify the crackdown against the illegal manufacture, sale, distribution and use of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

In Bartolome’s message sent to Sun.Star-Bacolod, he said the PNP fully supports the “Iwas Paputok” campaign of the National Government that aims to minimize firecracker-related deaths and injuries during the holiday season.

He said the PNP will be uncompromising in enforcing the law against dangerous firecrackers and pyrotechnics, much more with illegal discharge of firearms in the New Year’s Eve revelry.

It is high time that reckless merry-makers learn their lessons not to disregard government warning and safety reminders. There are many other safe and meaningful ways of welcoming the New Year sans the traditional fireworks, he said.

Violators of Republic Act 7183 that regulates the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices consistent with and in furtherance of public safety, order and national security, as well as the enhancement of the cultural traditions may face penalties ranging from a fine of not less than P20,000 nor more than
P30,000 or imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.