By Sarwell Meniano | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office – Eastern Visayas has reminded the public to refrain from using 28 prohibited firecrackers.
The Police Regional Office-8 (PRO-8) posted on Friday the list of prohibited firecrackers as part of efforts to enforce Republic Act No. 7183, or the law regulating the sale, manufacture, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
The banned firecrackers are watusi, Piccolo, Poppop, Five Star, Pla-pla, Lolo Thunder, Giant Bawang, Giant Whistle Bomb, Atomic Bomb, Atomic Triangle, large-size Judas Belt, Goodbye Delima, Hello Columbia, Goodbye Napoles, Super Yolanda, Mother Rockets, Kwiton, and Super Lolo.
Also banned are Goodbye Bading, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, Coke-in-Can, Pillbox, Kabasi, Special, King Kong, Tuna, and Goodbye Chismosa.
Besides the 28 the PNP considered as unlawful all firecrackers that are overweight and oversized (more than 0.2 grams or more than 1/3 teaspoon in explosive content), firecrackers with fuses that burn out in less than three seconds or more than six seconds, and firecrackers with a mixture of phosphorus and/or sulfur with that of chlorates.
“The PNP reminds the public to only purchase and use certified Philippine Standard fireworks and firecrackers from registered retailers and dealers,” the PRO-8 stated.
Firecrackers manufactured, sold, or distributed without the necessary occupancy permit or business or permit to operate are also banned.
The police urged individuals to choose safe alternatives, such as community fireworks displays.
PRO-8 has ordered all police stations in the region to regularly inspect fireworks vendors and stalls to ensure safe Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In areas designated as community fireworks displays and firecracker zones, some 2,500 policemen will be stationed, supported by 687 augmentation units and 854 advocacy groups.
Last year, the region recorded 32 cases of blast injuries, significantly higher than the six cases recorded in 2022.
The rise was expected since it was the first holiday revelry after the three-year pandemic restrictions.