Establish firecracker and pyrotechnic zones, LGUs told

MANILA, Philippines—In an effort to minimize firecracker-related injuries and casualties this holiday season, the Department of Interior and Local Government on Tuesday asked local officials to establish “firecracker and pyrotechnic zones” in their areas.

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said this specific zone will be an area where people may light their firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in celebrating Christmas and New Year.

He said this idea could help a lot in decreasing injuries and fire incidents.

Robredo also told local chief executives to regulate the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers in their respective localities as mandated by Republic Act 7138.

He said only firecrackers baby rocket, “bawang,” small triangulo, pulling of string, paper cups, el Diablo, Judah’s belt, sky rocket (kwitis) and other types equivalent in explosive content should be allowed for merchandising.

And for pyrotechnic devices, those that are allowed are sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo, mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle device, butterfly, among others, Robredo said.

Robredo also directed local officials to take the lead in the conduct of an information campaign on the proper use of all kinds of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, and to be watchful of radical groups that may take advantage of the holiday season’s merriment for their lawless designs.