Boxes of illegal firecrackers seized in Divisoria

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized over 500 boxes of fireworks in Divisoria in Manila Monday during the last minute inspections in stores suspected of selling illegal firecrackers. Aside from Divisoria, police also raided stalls in Quiapo and in Cubao in Quezon City, confiscating stocks of illegal firecrackers as well as replica toy guns, which the police said might be used by criminals in hold-up operations. In a phone interview, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Nicanor A. Bartolome said as early as Sunday, police officials were instructed to make daily rounds in their respective jurisdictions to supervise the sale of firecrackers. “Our police personnel, led by the Civil Security Group (CSG) have been patrolling the Metro to confiscate prohibited fire crackers and illegally manufactured pyrotechnics. Regional directors nationwide were also instructed by our Chief (Director General Jesus A. Verzosa) to do the same in the provinces," Mr. Bartolome said. Zero-casualty campaign He added that aside from conducting store inspections, the PNP is also helping the DOH and the local government in doing information campaigns to discourage residents from using fire crackers in celebrating the New Year. “These are all parts of our zero-casualty campaign for the holiday season. As much as possible we want to discourage them (residents) in using any firecrackers even those considered to be safe. We always believe that ‘prevention is better than cure,’" he said. Mr. Bartolome said the PNP would remain on heightened alert until January 2 to maintain peace and order throughout the holiday season. Meanwhile, Chief Supt. Ronald de Jesus, Bulacan Police Chief, Monday ordered local police to step up patrol and monitoring operations after receiving reports that illegal fireworks are still being sold in the municipality of Bocaue. “I ordered them (police personnel) to subject all passing vehicles to mobile check points and to inspect every single firework store in sight," Mr. de Jesus said in a radio interview. Bocaue, Bulacan has been known for its locally-produced cheap fireworks. The DOH has reported that from Dec. 21, 2007 to New Year’s Eve (Jan. 1, 2008), more than 600 people were injured by firecrackers, while 24 others were hit by stray bullets. The figure also shows that half of the victims were children. In a phone interview, Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, head of the DOH’s National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, said that so far this year, at least 85 firecracker-related injuries were recorded by the DOH, noting that 30 percent of this figure involves minors 15 years old and below. “Though we are hoping for the best, we expect this figure to rise the New Year’s Eve. But as early as November, hospitals and centers have made preparations for firecracker related injuries due to holiday revelry," Ms. Oliveros said. She said that since Dec. 24, the DOH has set up 50 sentinel sites or government health facilities nationwide that specially cater to revelry-related injuries. “All doctors, nurses and ancillary staff are also placed either on alert or on an on-call basis since Dec. 24 until January 2," she added. According to the PNP, a firecracker containing more than one-third teaspoon of gunpowder is considered illegal. The PNP as well as the DOH’s list of banned fireworks, include, among others: * Lolo Thunder, * Super Lolo, * Bawang (Large), * Plapla, * Watusi, * Kwiton, * Giant Whistle, * Judas Belt (Large), * Og, * Atomic Bomb, * Piccolo, * Goodbye Philippines, and * Kabasi. Anyone caught selling or buying illegal fireworks would face charges for violation of Republic Act 7183, otherwise known as an Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices. Penalties may include imprisonment for at least six months to two years and the cancellation of the business franchise of the seller, the PNP said. — Elizabeth T. Marcelo Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. which retails Shellane in an earlier statement already assured its customers that it has adequate and continued supply of LPG amid reports of shortages in supply during the holidays. “Even when demand for LPG is expected to increase, especially during the holiday season, our customers can be assured of continued supply, “ Shell LPG General Manager Bernard Ong had said. Shell operates a refinery and is Southeast Asia’s largest LPG import terminal. Despite the reported tightness in supply, LPGMA’s Mr. Ty said prices are still steady at P380 to P464. LPGMA members include Pinnacle Gas, Cat Gas, Omni Gas, Nation Gas and Island Gas. — BusinessWorld