CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A day before New Year’s Eve, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Central Luzon reiterated its reminder to the public to be careful in buying pyrotechnic products for the holiday season by purchasing only from certified and authorized manufacturers and dealers.
DTI-Central Luzon Information Officer Warren Serrano said the agency continues to monitor the sale of allowed firecrackers until December 31 when buyers are expected to go last minute shopping in the hope of cheaper prices.
He stressed that aside from looking at prices, buyers must keep an eye on the certification of the products to ensure the quality and safety of the firecrackers they will use.
Serrano also cited the effectivity of RA 7183 which only allows limited types of firecrackers that can be manufactured, sold and distributed such as Baby Rocket, Bawang, El Diablo, Judas Belt, Paper Caps, Pulling of Strings, Sky Rocket (Kwitis), Small “Trianggulo” and other equivalent types to the foregoing and Butterfly, Fountain, Jumbo Regular, Luces, Mabuhay, Roman Candle, Sparklers, Tromplillo, Whistle Devices, “Pailaw” and other equivalent types for pyrotechnic devices.
Meanwhile, prohibited firecrackers include those weighing more than 0.2 grams or 1/3 teaspoon, and oversized firecrackers like Super Lolo, and Whistle Bomb, among others.
Firecracker and pyrotechnic buyers are also reminded that under Section of RA 7183, it is prohibited to sell firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices to anyone under 18 years of age. Children using firecrackers must be supervised by adults.
The Philippine National Police will be imposing penalties for violation of the Firecracker Law including a fine ranging from P20,000 to P30,000 and imprisonment from six months to one year, Serrano said.