Pyrotechnics group inspects warehouses, stores in Bulacan

Members of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI) on Saturday inspected firework warehouses and stores in Bulacan.

A 24 Oras report by Rida Reyes said the inspection was conducted in line with Executive Order No. 28, which regulates and controls the use of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.

According to the report, a warehouse in San Rafael, Bulacan was found by the inspector to have a complete water system and safety gear for the manufacturers.

Stores selling fireworks in Bocaue also passed the safety standards.

Under the executive order, community fireworks displays may only be held in areas designated by the local government.

Use of pyrotechnic devices are allowed on the condition that users follow the correct procedures and rules.

Celso Cruz, chairman of the PPMDAI, said that fireworks containing more than 200 milligrams of gunpowder are prohibited.

"Ang mga tinatawag nilang Super Lolo, Super Big Triangulo, lahat ng mga ang pulbura ay mahigit 200 milligrams lahat na 'yon, pinagbabawal," he said.

The provincial government of Bulacan has also banned the selling of fireworks outside residential houses.

It warned that it will also crack down on illegal manufacturers of fireworks.

Meanwhile, local manufacturers appealed to the Bureau of Customs to tighten the supervision of illegal fireworks from China, such as Piccolo and watusi.

"China they can manufacture magandang quality, mass production, mababa ang labor nila, pagkatapos baka lulusot sa Customs, talo tayo," Cruz said.

Piccolo is among the most common cause of fireworks-related injuries during past New Year revelries and majority of the victims were children. —Jessica Bartolome/ALG, GMA News