Firecrackers ban remains in effect in Makati condo

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said Monday that a ban on pyrotechnics and firecrackers would remain in effect in three areas located near the West Tower condominium building on Osmeña Highway where an oil leak was detected last year.

In a statement, Binay explained that the risk of an explosion occurring in Barangays (villages) Bangkal, Pio del Pilar and Magallanes was still high.

“Since the problem of the oil leak has not yet been resolved with finality, we will not lift the ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnics in the three affected barangays,” he said.

Last year, the city council passed an ordinance banning the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials in the three areas after soil tests indicated the presence of oil plumes.

In July last year, a mixture of oil and water was detected in the basement of West Tower, prompting officials to order an evacuation and shut down the 22-story building.

The leak was later traced to the nearby pipeline of Lopez-owned First Philippine Industrial Corp. (FPIC), which transports fuel products from Batangas province to the Pandacan oil depots in Manila.

Based on an order issued by the Supreme Court, FPIC launched a remediation program although clearing the affected barangays of oil was expected to take years.

Binay, meanwhile, reminded residents to observe the ban for their own safety. Under the ordinance, violators face a fine of P5,000 or six months’ imprisonment.