ICPO warns public vs banned firecrackers

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Just like in previous years, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has again reminded the public against the use of banned firecrackers and pyrotechnics to celebrate the New Year.

Colonel Joeresty Coronica, Iloilo City police chief, again appealed to the public to “revel responsibly.”

Coronica’s statement came in the heels of the issuance of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) of the list of prohibited firecrackers.

This list aims to regulate and monitor manufacturing, sale and use; and to reduce firecracker-related injuries during the revelries.

The prohibited items include:

* Watusi;

* Poppop;

* Five-Star;

* Pla-Pla;

* Piccolo;

* Giant Bawang;

* Goodbye Bading;

* Goodbye Philippines;

* Atomic Bomb;

* Super Lolo;

* Lolo Thunder;

* Kwiton;

* Hello Columbia;

* Juda’s Belt;

* Giant Whistle Bomb;

* Atomic Triangle;

* Goodbye Delima;

* Mother Rocket;

* Goodbye Napoles;

* Coke-In-Can;

* Super Yolanda;

* Pillbox;

* Bin Laden;

* Kabasi;

* Boga

The PNP said firecrackers should contain a maximum of 0.3 grams or 1/3 teaspoon of gunpowder; anything exceeding this is considered illegal.

Coronica said that violations will have corresponding consequences.

Relatively, orders have been issued to station commanders to monitor compliance, ensuring products available in the markets are from licensed manufacturers and registered dealers and retailers.

“We need the public’s cooperation for everyone’s safety. Let us celebrate safely and securely, using alternative noise-makers to avoid injuries and risks to personal lives and public safety. Huwag na subukan baka ika’y magsisi sa huli,” Coronica said.

Under Republic Act 7183 or as the Firecrackers Law, individuals violating its provisions regarding the manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices may face fines between P20,000 and P30,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year.