Number of firecracker zones may increase —Albayalde

The number of firecracker zones designated by the Philippine National Police in Metro Manila is still at the original 263, but it may increase, said National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Director Oscar Albayalde on Thursday.

“Posible po, expect natin dadami pa po ‘yan,” he said in an interview on Unang Balita. “Although marami pong cities dito sa Metro Manila na meron po silang total firecracker ban, at ‘yun po ang masusunod, ‘yung city ordinance nila."

Even cops-in-training at Regional Training Schools will be deployed to augment the police force as it monitors firecracker zones, he said, while barangay officials are expected to supervise their community members who will watch public fireworks displays.

Albayalde also clarified the legality of selling firecrackers “Judas’ Belt” and whistle bomb. He said they could be sold as long as they meet the requirement for explosive content—1.3 teaspoons, according to the Office of the Executive Secretary.

“The Office of the Executive Secretary informs that firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices which contain gunpowder exceeding two (2) grams or 1.3 teaspoons or those using sulfur and/or phosphorus mixed with chlorates are strictly prohibited to be sold, manufactured, distributed and used,” said a press release from the OES.

Republic Act No. 7183 prohibits the manufacture, sale, and use of the following firecrackers: piccolo or “scratch bangers”, pop pop, Goodbye Philippines or Crying Bading, Yolanda or Goodbye Napoles, Watusi, Pla-pla, Giant Kuwitis, Watusi or “dancing firecrackers,” Super Lolo, Atomic Big Trianggulo, Mother Rockets, Lolo Thunder, Pillbox, Boga, Big Judah’s Belt, Big Bawang, Kwiton, Bin Laden, Kabasi, Atomic Bomb, Five Star, Og, and Giant Whistle Bombs.

Allowed firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices include the following:

Firecrackers

• Baby rocket
• Bawang
• Small triangulo
• Pulling of strings
• Paper caps
• El diablo
• Watusi
• Judah’s Belt
• Sky rocket (kwitis)
• Other types that are equivalent in explosive content

Pyrotechnic Devices

• Sparklers
• Luces
• Fountain
• Jumbo regular and special
• Mabuhay
• Roman candle
• Trompillo
• Airwolf
• Butterfly
• All kinds of pyrotechnic devices
• Other equivalent types of devices

—Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/KG, GMA News