In Iloilo, execs designate only 8 areas for fireworks

ILOILO CITY—The government has limited the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials to only eight designated areas in the city even after it lifted the work stoppage order for some manufacturers and sellers here.

Fire Supt. Jerry Candido, city fire marshal, said the areas where firecrackers can be displayed and sold include the public plazas in the districts of Jaro, La Paz, Mandurriao, Molo and Arevalo; the areas along Muelle Loney Street in the city proper, Barangay Buhang in Jaro District and the Metropolis area.

Yet, before they can put stalls in these designated areas, sellers still have to secure permits from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) and the city government, Candido said.

Stalls are also required to comply with safety standards, including the installation of double walls made of galvanized iron sheet and fiber cement sheet.

Even wholesalers who have stores outside the designated areas can display mock or dummy firecrackers but not the actual products, he said.

Dole earlier ordered a stop to work in all firecracker manufacturing factories.