Monday, December 24, 2007 Babag blast highlights need for barangay leaders' control
UNLESS barangay officials and licensed manufacturers help the police and the Bureau of Fire Protection, the risk of explosions will continue to hang over the heads of Barangay Babag residents, acting Lapu-Lapu City Police Director Louie Oppus said.
“We held many dialogues but even the licensed manufacturers violate the terms of their license. These manufacturers and barangay officials know who the illegal manufacturers are, but we can’t do much unless they help,” Oppus added.
A shanty that held stocks of powder and finished firecrackers exploded past 7 a.m. last Saturday in that barangay, the site of several firecracker-making operations. Two houses less than five meters from the shanty were damaged.
Ronnie Espacio suffered burns in his shoulder and head. He was walking near the shanty when the accident happened.
Aside from being unlicensed, the shanty was less than 300 meters from the nearest house, in violation of Republic Act 7183. Its owner was identified as Virgie Bensi.
Initial reports suggested she panicked and threw a firecracker at her stocks of black powder when its wick gave off sparks after she cut it.
“If the barangay officials had stayed vigilant, this would not have happened,” Oppus said. “But they hold back because they know that these people depend on firecracker-making for their livelihood.”
Barangay Captain Elias Berdin was reportedly away from home when Sun.Star Cebu called up yesterday for his comment. Calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.
RA 7183 regulates the sale, manufacturing and distribution of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices. It states that local government units ought to designate a firecracker zone.
In Lapu-Lapu, the firecracker zone is along M.L. Quezon highway, from Barangay Babag to the city’s boundary with Cordova town. The manufacturers are also required to place a “No testing” sign at his store.
Those selling outside the firecracker zone must get a license from the Firearm Security and Advisory Group, otherwise their products will be confiscated. (AIV)
