Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) — As the new year approaches, the Interior Department reminds sellers of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to check ordinances about their products.
“Ang pinaka-mainam po ay alamin ng mga firecracker or pyrotechnics sellers ang umiiral na ordinansa dun sa kani-kanilang mga lugar para malaman nila kung pwede sila magbenta,” said Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya in an online briefing on Saturday. “Kasi hindi rin naman sila iisyuhan ng permit kung ito ay pinagbabawal ng munisipyo.”
[Translation: The best thing to do for firecracker or pyrotechnic sellers is to find out what ordinances have been put in place in their localities to find out whether they can sell these items or not. If this is prohibited, they won’t be issued permits anyway.]
Malaya reminded the public about the ban on certain firecrackers in line with Executive Order 28 issued in 2017. He cited as examples watusi and piccolo, which are among the main causes of firecracker-related injuries in the past
Executive Order 28 limited the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to community fireworks displays, which may only be done during celebrations, competitions or similar events conducted in a venue other than anyone’s residence.
“Tungkol naman po doon sa mga community fireworks, nandun din po sa LGU yung discretion kung ito ay kanilang papayagan or hindi,” said Malaya.
[Translation: When it comes to community fireworks, LGUs also possess the discretion as to whether they will allow these or not.]
In the same briefing, Health Spokesperson Ma. Rosario Vergeire said their personnel recorded ten firecracker-related injuries so far, and these are neither serious nor caused deaths.
Earlier this month, Duterte said he considered a nationwide ban on firecrackers, citing health and safety concerns.
LOOK: List of firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices allowed under Republic Act No. 7183 www.cnn.ph
Posted by CNN Philippines on Wednesday, 27 December 2017
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