Report violators of rules on firecrackers, fireworks use, sale —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday asked the public to report to authorities those who violate the government’s rules on the proper use and sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

In an interview on Dobol B TV, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo encouraged the citizenry to document via photo or video the violators of the regulations and laws concerning firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

“Kung meron kayong makita o maobserbahan na lumalabag dito sa mga utos po natin na inilabas at sa mga guidelines po… lagi nating paalala po kung pupuwede po na — may mga hotlines naman po ang mga pinakamalapit na police station sa inyo, mga barangay sa inyo, emergency response team — immediately itawag niyo po ito,” Fajardo said.

(If you see or observe anyone violating our law and guidelines, we are urging the public to immediately report this to authorities. Use the hotlines to contact the nearest police station, barangay, emergency response team.)

“[Para] makapag-responde at ma-accost, ma-apprehend itong mga violators,” she added.

(This is so we can respond and accost, apprehend the violators.)

Firecrackers with the following characteristics are prohibited:

• overweight (should not be more than 0.2 gram or not more than one third of teaspoon);
• oversized like super lolo, giant whistle bomb, among others;
• fuse should not burn less than three seconds but not more than six seconds;
• imported finished products; and
• mixture of phosphorus or sulfur with that of chlorate.

Meanwhile, among the types of firecrackers that may be used in fireworks display areas are the following:

• baby rocket;
• bawang;
• el diablo;
• Judas’ belt;
• paper caps;
• pulling of strings;
• sky rocket (kwitis); and
• small “triangulo”.

Fajardo also reiterated that every community should have a designated firecracker display zone and community display area. Such shall be designated and identified by the local chief executive, she added.

“‘Di po puwede na tayo ay nag-usap lang at tayo ang maglalagay ng ating mga puwedeng gawing community fireworks display area dahil may mga batayan po bago mai-designate ang isang community fireworks display [area],” the PNP spokesperson said.

(However, you cannot just decide on an area for community fireworks display. There are requirements to be met before an area can be designated for such.)

A firecracker or fireworks display area should have immediately available emergency medical staff and equipment as well as fire-fighting equipment such as firetrucks and fire extinguishers, according to Fajardo.

“Dapat po may safe distance sa mga establishment na gumagamit at nag-iimbak po ng highly flammable substance at dapat may safe distance din ang fireworks display area sa mga residential, school buildings, at malayo sa electrical at communication facilities, mga kable ng kuryente,” she said.

(There should be a safe distance from establishments using and storing highly flammable substances. There should also be safe distance between the fireworks display area and residential [communities] and school buildings. The fireworks display area should also be far from electrical and communication facilities, cables and power lines.)

“Safety ng residente dapat nakokonsidera sa pagpili ng community fireworks display area,” she added.

(The safety of residents should be considered in choosing a community fireworks display area.)

Fajardo earlier said there is no ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnics imposed on manufacturers and retailers. However, she said sellers should display their products in designated areas.

Based on Republic Act No. 7183, violators will face a fine up to P30,000 or imprisonment up to one year, or both at the discretion of the court. Their license and business permit will also be canceled and their stocks will be confiscated. —KG, GMA Integrated News