PNP: Stay away from these seven illegal firecrackers

The Philippine National Police on Thursday warned the public against using at least seven illegal firecrackers as its explosive content is beyond what the law provides for.

 

PNP identified the illegal firecrakers as:

Piccolo

Pop Pop

Goodbye Philippines or Crying Bading

Yolanda or Goodbye Npaoles

Watusi

Pla-pla

Giant Kuwitis

 

Police Sr. Supt. John Cresencio Bulalacao, chief of the Explosives Management Division of the PNP, said that these firecrackers - except for watusi - has explosives content of more than 0.2 grams, as provided under Republic Act No. 7183 or the law that governs the fireworks industry.

 

He added that the number of prohibited firecrackers may be increased as the New Year celebration nears. 

 

Bulalacao added that imported firecrackers such as piccolo and pop pop are likewise prohibited. 

 

Bulalacao said that the PNP is set to inspect malls and other stalls that sell firecrackers.

 

Currently, only 68 manufacturers, 285 dealers, and 2,551 retailers of firecrackers are licensed by the police.

 

In buying firecrackers, Bulalacao advise consumers to buy those that are certified by the Department of Trade and Industry. It should have warning and instructions printed on its packaging, together with the manufacturer's name and address.

 

Meanwhile, the police listed the firecrackers that can be used during the New Year revelry. This includes:

 

Firecrackers

- Baby Rocket

- Bawang

- El Diablo

- Judas Belt

- Paper Caps

- Pulling of strings

- Sky Rocket or kwitis

- Small "trianggulo"

 

Pyrotechnic devices

- Butterfly

- Fountain

- Jumbo Regular

- Luces

- Mabuhay

- Roman Candle

- Sparklers

- Trompillo

- Whistle devices

- Pailaw

 

To help in the information-dissemination of the Department of Health's Iwas Paputok campaign, the PNP may go to malls and other public areas with their mascots names PO1 Valenzuela, Novateño, and Monumento to promote awareness against illegal firecrackers. —NB, GMA News