‘Watusi,’ ‘piccolo’ among firecrackers banned in QC

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has approved a circular that lists all banned fireworks and provides guidelines for the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 12 s. 2019, among the fireworks that have been banned by the city government are “watusi,” “piccolo” or any other firecracker ignited through friction or scratching on a hard surface.

Also prohibited are firecrackers with fuses that are too short or too long (burns less than three seconds or over six seconds), polyvinyl pipe or “boga,” powerful fireworks like super “lolo,” lolo thunder, atomic bomb and those obtained from an unlicensed dealer.

The sale of baby rocket, “bawang,” small “triangulo,” pulling of strings, paper caps, el diablo, Judah’s belt, rocket and other equivalent firecrackers are allowed.

On the other hand, “mabuhay,” Roman candle, “trompillo,” whistle device, butterfly, fountain, jumbo regular, “luces,” “pailaw” and equivalent devices are the only legal pyrotechnics under the circular.

Appropriate charges will be filed against vendors who will be caught selling banned firecrackers.

To be able to sell, however, they should get a hawker’s permit from the Market Development and Administration Department and pass a fire safety inspection to be conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection.—Mariejo S. Ramos