Total ban on firecrackers would pose more safety risks, says industry expert

Imposing a total ban on the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices would expose the public to greater risk of injury, an industry official said.

"Studies show if you ban fireworks totally at walang legal way to buy legal pyrotechnics and firecrackers ang mga tao, they will resort to buying from those who will offer illegal firecrackers," Philippine Fireworks Association president Joven Ong said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

"When we see na illegal ang firecrackers, ang usage, wala talagang standards na nasusunod.. more pollution, more injuries, when it's a total ban," he added.

Claiming that regulation is better than a total ban, Ong cited President Rodrigo Duterte's executive order in 2017 regarding the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

"'Yung Executive Order 28 okay naman siya kung tutuusin mo. Ang problema lang kasi 'yung misunderstanding ng tao," he said.

Firecrackers vs. pyrotechnic devices

Ong defined firecracker as any product that comes with the primary effect of producing an outburst of loud sounds, such as labintador.

On the other hand, the primary effect of pyrotechnic devices such as fountains and sparklers is to produce colorful lights, though these may also produce exploding sounds.

Section 1 of EO No. 28 states that the use of firecrackers shall be confined to community fireworks displays.

Ong, however, underscored that pursuant to the same order, other pyrotechnic devices may still be used by the public outside the community fireworks display.

Decrease in production

Amid the existing regulation, a 20- to 25-percent decrease in the fireworks industry's production was observed, Ong claimed.

He said, however, the smaller supply means that the industry expects the products to be sold out this holiday season. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News