Iloilo city gov’t issues order for sale, distribution, use of firecrackers

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo City government issued Executive Order No. 163, series of 2023, regulating the sale, distribution, manufacture and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in the city.

According to the EO, the display and selling of fireworks are permitted from December 1 to 31, 2023 only.

The guidelines also defined various firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices available for purchase.

The approved firecrackers for sale include baby rockets, bawang, small triangulo, pulling strings, paper caps, El Diablo, watusi, Judah’s belt, and skyrockets (kwitis), while pyrotechnic devices include butterfly, fountain, Jumbo regular and special, luces, Mabuhay, Roman candle, Sparklers, Trompillo, whistle devices, and various decorative lights.

The EO also specifies prohibited types of fireworks, including those with explosive ingredients exceeding 3 teaspoons, items endangering life and limb, and those using sulfur and/or phosphorous mixed with chlorates.

Penalties will be imposed for violations of Republic Act No. 9514 and Republic Act No. 7183, along with their respective implementing rules and regulations.

“Any violations are tantamount to revocation of permit and license, pero wala pa da ya kon may criminal liability nga atobangon sa PNP or BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) ang aton nagalapas sa pagbaligya sang bawal nga mga palupok,” said Jeck Conlu, head of Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO).

Authorized buying and selling locations are the same as last year –  at Circumferential Road 1, corner Jocson Street; Circumferential Road 1-corner Iloilo East Coast-Capiz, along Ondoy’s Sugbahan; and Muelle Loney Street, along Riverside front of Muelle Loney statue.

Permittees are required to pay a permit fee of PHP 500 at the City Treasurer’s Office, in addition to other lawful fees mandated by relevant laws.

Sales in shopping malls and other similar establishments are strictly forbidden.

To ensure compliance, police officers and personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will be stationed every day in the designated firecracker zones to enforce safety measures and guarantee adherence to the guidelines outlined in the EO.

The executive order, known as the “Guidelines in the Use, Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Fireworks and Other Pyrotechnic Devices in Iloilo City,” aims to balance festive celebrations with public safety and adherence to existing laws.