DOLE shuts down Bulacan ’cracker plants

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday ordered the closure of all firecracker establishments in Bulacan following an explosion that killed three persons.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello issued a work stoppage order to protect workers of firecracker shops and factories as well as the public.

Bello said there is grave and imminent danger to the health and safety of workers, noting the recent accidents and the projected increase in production for the holidays.

He ordered the DOLE regional office in Central Luzon to assess the firms’ compliance with health and safety regulations as well as with labor standards.

“The regional director will submit a weekly assessment report and recommend the lifting of the order for compliant establishments,” Bello said.

He said DOLE would assist workers affected by the work stoppage order.

The agency will work closely with the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the local government to ensure proper implementation of the order.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health reported that they have received a request to delay the issuance of an executive order banning the use of firecrackers and fireworks in the country.

Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said the agency is unlikely to grant the request, noting the government wanted to minimize, if not eliminate, firecracker-related injuries.

Ubial hopes President Duterte will sign the proposed executive order on the firecracker ban in December.

Factory owner arrested

Police arrested yesterday the owner of a firecracker factory that exploded and killed two children and their mother in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

Wilfredo Alonzo, 49, owner of AA Fireworks, will be charged with reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide, physical injuries and damage to property, and violation of Republic Act 7183 or the Firecracker Law, according to Bulacan police acting director Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat.

The charges against Alonzo stemmed from the death of Mary Grace Mayo, 28, and her children Ashley, 2, and Brylee, 5, during the explosion that occurred on Wednesday in Barangay Pulong Buhangin.

Alonzo is detained at the Sta. Maria police.

The children died at the scene while their mother died while being treated at a hospital.

Investigation showed Mary Grace and her children went to the factory to bring food to her husband, who works at the factory.

The workers were making firecrackers when the explosion occurred. The blast destroyed a car and several houses located near the factory.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide assistance for the victims of the blast.

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo sent personnel in the area to assess and determine the assistance to be given to the victims and their families.

The agency will provide burial assistance to the Mayo family.