LAPU REGULATES FIRECRACKER SALE
Lapu-Lapu City Government releases list of firecrackers and pyrotechnics that are allowed to be sold in Barangay Babag following an explosion in a firecracker factory.
Dealers and manufacturers of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City were ordered to only sell products that the authorities allow.
Officials of the barangay, LapuLapu City Police Office, Philippine National Police’s Firearms and Explosives Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection met with the dealers and manufacturers to remind them about the safety procedures and existing laws pertaining to these type of products.
The meeting was called after a satellite firecracker factory in Purok Judas Belt exploded, injuring six persons.
During the meeting, Babag Barangay Captain Epifania Augusto told the manufacturers and dealers that, upon the order of the city mayor, new rules will be implemented for their kind of business.
She said the firecrackers and pyrotechnics that they are allowed to make, sell, distribute and use are those based on the list that the government officials gave them.
It includes baby rocket, bawang, el diablo, judas belt, paper caps, pulling of strings, kwitis or sky rocket, small triangle and other types of firecrackers that have the same explosive content as that of the mentioned items.
As to pyrotechnic devices, authorities only allow butterfly, fountains, jumbo regular, luces, mabuhay, roman candle, sparkles, trompillo, whistle devices and all kinds of “pailaw” or pyrotechnic devices to be sold.
“The police and fire officers will check your establishments so do not sell those that are not on the list,” Augusto said.
She said sellers can display their firecrackers and pyrotechnics in the village starting on Dec. 16 until Dec. 31.
Senior Insp. Felix Cleopas III, chief of Police Station 3, said the sellers cannot display their products until they secure all clearances and permits from the barangay, police and City Hall.
Cleopas said that firecrackers and pyrotechnics that are displayed but not included on the list will be confiscated.
FO2 Oiretuele Baguio of the Lapu-Lapu City Fire District, for his part, asked the manufacturers and sellers to have fire extiguishers or a barrel of water in their display centers in case there will be an emergency.
He also reminded them that there must be no smoking and testing of firecrackers and pyrotechnics within 15 meters from the display center.
“No employees shall also be permitted to enter the (firecracker or pyrotechnic) plant while in possession or under the influence of alchohol or illegal drugs,” he added. /