MANILA — The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Saturday, a day before the New Year’s eve, expressed optimism on the reduced cases of firecracker-related injuries for 2018 and the years ahead.
This, citing the recently signed Executive Order No. 28, along with the initiatives of the Department of Health to raise awareness and achieve a zero-firecracker injury this year.
EO 28 provides for the regulation and control of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices. It also limits the use of allowable firecrackers to “community fireworks display.”
Such use qualifies as community fireworks display if they are conducted as part of a celebration held in a venue other than the place of residence.
It also qualifies if it is conducted within the supervision of a trained person licensed by the Philippine National Police, and allowed by the municipality or city through a permit.
For pyrotechnic devices that are allowed such as sparklers, they may be used within residential premises.
Firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices which contain gunpowder exceeding two grams, or 1.3 teaspoons, or those using sulfur and/or phosphorus mixed with chlorates, are strictly prohibited to be sold, manufactured, distributed and use.
Also prohibited include Piccolo, Super Lolo, Whistle Bomb, Goodbye Earth, and Atomic Big Triangulo.
According to Malacanang, firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices listed below are the only ones allowed under Republic Act (RA) No. 7183.
Firecrackers: Baby rocket; Bawang; Small triangulo; Pulling of strings; Paper caps; El diablo; Watusi; Judah’s Belt; Sky rocket (kwitis); and other types that are equivalent in explosive content.
Pyrotechnic Devices: Sparklers; Luces; Fountain; Jumbo regular and special; Mabuhay; Roman candle; Trompillo; Airwolf; Butterfly; all kinds of pyrotechnic devices; and other types equivalent to the foregoing devices.
As he wished for a safer celebration of 2018’s entry, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar reminded Filipinos to adhere by the chief executive’s order.
“Malapit na ang New Year’s Eve so kailangan nating sundin lang ‘yung Executive Order ng ating mahal na Pangulo na umiwas sa mga bawal na paputok,” he said in a radio interview. (PNA)
