PNP launches nationwide fireworks safety seminars

INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting fireworks safety seminars nationwide ahead of the yuletide season with the hope of minimizing or eliminating casualties from pyrotechnic products.

Police Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Chief of the Firearms and Explosives Office, said the seminars were launched “as early as August this year that targeted manufacturers, dealers, and retailers of firecrackers and pyrotechnics nationwide.”

The seminars, he said, will “highlight lessons learned from past incidents, [relevant laws and regulations on fireworks,] and safety handling procedures and updates and innovations implemented by the PNP.”

The Philippine Pyrotechnic Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. and the Philippine Fireworks Association have joined hands with the PNP in conducting the nationwide seminars.

“We can assess the success of our programs and determine how far we have accomplished with our programs if we have decreased, if not zeroed, the incidents of firecracker-related injuries, deaths, and destruction to properties,” Petrasanta said.

“Vigilance and compliance is a shared responsibility among the police officers implementing the rules and regulations, industry stakeholders, and the community. We must work together to achieve our collective aspiration for a safe and joyous Christmas celebration,” he added.

The seminars were conducted in Bauag, La Union, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Guiguinto and San Rafael, Bulacan, Arevalo, Iloilo, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental, General Santos City, South Cotabato, and Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

Similar fireworks safety seminars are also set to be conducted in the National Capital Region and Region 4 this November, Petrasanta said.