PNP inspects firecrackers’ stores in Bulacan

INSPECTION. PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa answers questions from the media after the inspection of firecracker products in Bocaue, Bulacan on Saturday (Dec. 28, 2019). The inspection aims to check if the stores have proper permits from the PNP, as well as their compliance with the laws prohibiting the sale of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices that may cause injuries or death during the New Year’s Eve revelry. (Photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA — Three days before New Year’s Eve, Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa on Saturday inspected firecracker stalls in Bocaue, Bulacan as intensify its campaign against illegal firecrackers, including imported products.

Bocaue town, known for its fireworks industry, is a popular destination for New Year’s Eve revelers.

Out of 124 stores selling firecrackers in Bulacan, 65 were in Bocaue and 24 were authorized manufacturers in the province.

“This has been traditionally implemented by the different units of the PNP especially na ganitong parating na ang (this kind of event) New Year and we encourage the community to reach out to the PNP especially kung merong silang (if they have) information pertaining dito (to this) so that the PNP can take appropriate actions but we have issued series of memorandum on the part of the NHQ to the different units to implement not only yung (on the) imported firecrackers but also those locally manufactured pero (but) not within the level allowed by law,” Gamboa said.

Gamboa said stall owners should always provide the necessary permits and documents that would serve as a guarantee that they are complying with the law.

“With this, let me remind the manufacturers and sellers to strictly follow not to sell firecracker and pyrotechnic display to minors or those below 18 years of age,” he said.

He also reminded them not to sell firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials to minors.

Aside from inspection of the firecracker stores in Bocaue, Gamboa, with some PNP officials, also destroyed seized illegal firecrackers.

Meanwhile, Bulacan provincial director Col. Emma Libunao Libunao said he Bulacan Police Provincial Office is strictly implementing the Executive Order No 28, also known as “Providing For The Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers And Other Pyrotechnic Devices,” by President Rodrigo R. Duterte to all the manufacturers and sellers of fireworks products in Bulacan.

“The 124 authorized dealers and 24 manufacturers here in Bulacan complied with all the requirements needed. These are strict adherence to the order of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), certifications from the National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP),” Libunao said.

Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3) regional director Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, meanwhile, was also elated that many people are aware and obedience to the law.

He said he is also glad that local government units are now abiding with community fireworks practice.

“I thanked the multi-agency, local government units in ensuring public safety,” Sermonia said.

Gamboa said the PNP will not relent on its crackdown against illegal firecrackers based on Executive Order No. 28 and Republic Act (RA) 7183.

“People will not stop doing it but we will also not stop,” Gamboa pointed out.

Those found violating Republic Act No. 7183, or the law regulating the manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of firecrackers, face a fine ranging from PHP20,000 to PHP30,000, or a prison term of six months to one year. Vendors also face cancellation of license and business permit plus confiscation of their stocks.

Gamboa advised the public to avoid buying and using illegal and dangerous firecrackers and buy only those that are prescribed under Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) No. 28, the law limiting the use of firecrackers in the country.

Under the EO, the use of firecrackers shall be limited to community fireworks displays, which must be under the supervision of a trained individual while pyrotechnic devices may still be used outside community fireworks display areas.

Gamboa also urged the public to refrain from using firecrackers to celebrate the New Year as there are other ways to welcome 2020.

“I encourage Filipinos that we can celebrate without injury to celebrate na kung pwede wag na kayong magpaputok marami naman paraan (if possible, don’t use firecrackers as there are other ways [to celebrate the New Year]),” he said.

He said having a firecracker zone in every community is the safest way to prevent more injuries since barangay officials and the policemen could check if the firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials used are illegal or not.

“The PNP is beefing up its force to provide security in identified firecrackers and pyrotechnic zones and firecracker/pyrotechnic displays in respective areas in coordination with appropriate agencies and stakeholders,” Gamboa said.