By Aileen P. Refuerzo
BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong reminded the public of the existing ban on the use, sale and manufacture of firecrackers in the city.
This is in the wake of complaints received on incidents of firecracker explosions reported in different barangays.
Magalong said there is a need to strictly implement the ordinance to prevent injuries caused by legally and illegally bought pyrotechnics in the city.
The city has for years maintained its long-running stance based on the original statute Ordinance No. 144, series of 1951 amended by Ordinance No. 53, series of 2009.
Ordinance No. 53 series of 2009 states: “There shall be a total ban at all times in the city of all kinds of firecrackers prohibited by the national law.”
The ordinance prohibits the sale and explosion of firecrackers and fireworks within the city limits except on special occasions such as fiestas, celebration of important events for which a written permit is granted by the City Mayor.
So far, the city has not issued any permit for any individual or group to sell firecracakers.
The prohibited firecrackers include big triangle, rebentador (5 star), watusi, pla-pla, pillbox, mother rocket, og, firecrackers without labels, and others of similar nature. It also includes all firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices banned by the national government.
Any person, firm, entity or corporation violating the provisions of this Ordinance will be liable to a case of misdemeanor and punishments as follows: first offense — confiscation of the firecrackers and fireworks and a fine of P2,000; second offense — fine of P3,000 to P5,000 at the discretion of the court; and third offense — revocation of business permit and imprisonment for not more than 30 days at the discretion of the court.
To discourage people from using firecrackers, the city had in the past years organized a community fireworks display to prevent possible accidents aside from minimizing smoke emission caused by the firecrackers.
This year, the city prepared again a New Year’s Countdown program at the Melvin Jones which is expected to include a fireworks display.
MGA BAWAL NA PAPUTOK
Ordinance No. 53 series of 2009 prohibits the sale or explosion of firecrackers within the city limits except on special occasions such as fiestas, celebration of important events, where a written permit is granted by the City Mayor.
The prohibited firecrackers include big triangle, rebentador (5 star), watusi, pla-pla, pillbox, mother rocket, og, firecrackers without labels, and others of similar nature during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“There shall be a total ban at all times in the city of all kinds of firecrackers prohibited by the national law,” the measure stressed.
On such occasions when selling is allowed by authority of the mayor, fire safety measures will be adopted such as the sellers will be required to observe the following: the seller shall secure certification from the Bureau of Fire Protection; install fire safety equipment and devices along with a “No Smoking” sign. No testing of firecrackers must be done in the premises and that no overcrowding of products must be ensured. Any firecracker devices that remain unfired after the display shall immediately be disposed of in a safe way.
