Firecracker industry flourishes

MANILA, Philippines –  Despite the Department of Health (DOH)’s all-out campaign against firecrackers, the industry continues to flourish in the country as evidenced by the increasing number of firecracker manufacturers, dealers and retailers seeking license from the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Data from the PNP-FEO showed a total of 243 firecracker dealers as of Dec. 9, up dramatically from the 11 posted last Nov. 30.

FEO director Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles said an established firecracker dealer from San Rafael is also set to endorse about 200 more individuals who will apply for license from the FEO.

The license, which costs about P1,000, is good for a month’s operation.

Records showed that Central Luzon (Region 3) has the most number of registered firecracker manufacturers (30) while other regions nationwide have an average of one to four firecracker makers.

Bocaue, a town in Central Luzon, is considered the country’s firecrackers capital.

Estilles said there is no registered firecracker manufacturer in Metro Manila but there were 15 registered firecracker dealers.

He also reiterated the statement of PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo that the PNP is fully supporting the DOH’s “Iwas Paputok” campaign, which espouses the use of noisemakers rather than fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.

Since some Filipinos cannot resist using firecrackers during the holidays, the PNP might complement DOH’s “Iwas-Paputok” campaign with the “Ingat Paputok” campaign.

Estilles designated Senior Superintendent Allan Parreño, chief of the FEO-Explosives Division, and Superintendent Roger Simon to map up programs to ensure the PNP campaign would be implemented nationwide.

The FEO chief reminded the public to observe measures that will ensure a hassle-free holiday or the non-occurrence of accidents or injuries related to firecrackers.

Estilles said the public should refrain from using calcium carbide (kalburo) or other combustible liquids in firing toy cannons.

“Do not use firecrackers when under the influence of liquor or alcohol,” said Estilles, who pointed out that most of the individuals who suffered firecracker-related injuries were drunk and thus had poor reflexes.

Estilles likewise said that individuals should not light firecrackers under containers which tend to explode and produce splinter and shrapnels, because these might injure people nearby.

“Do not light kwitis, trompillo and other pyrotechnics under electric wires because these might lead to fire incidents,” Estilles said. –Cecille Suerte Felipe (The Philippine Star)