Friday, December 16, 2011

Firecracker capital of the Philippines

by Jose Mari M. Garcia

As the countdown to Christmas and New Year ticks, the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned that errant firework vendors selling banned explosives will face imprisonment and cancellation of their of business license.

In a visit to Bocaue town, known the firecracker capital of the country, PNP-Region III enumerated the illegal explosives which should not be sold pursuant to Republic Act No. 7183 which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

PSupt. Rafmil Corpuz, chief of Fire and Explosives Division of PNP-Region III, said firecrackers with more than one-third teaspoon of gunpowder were outlawed for sale including pla-pla, tuna, bin Laden, big triangulo, super lolo, Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye World and the piccolo which is famous among children.

"Those who will be caught will be removed of their license, their products confiscated and they might not be able to renew their permit," said Corpuz.

Under the law, firecrackers which are allowed for sale include baby rocket, bawang, small triangulo, pulling of strings, paper cups, El Diablo, Judas belt, and sky rocket.

Among pyrotechnics, allowed are sparklers, luces, fountain, Mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle device, butterfly, and all lighting devices.

The republic act which was approved on January 1992 also allowed the use of watusi, a small reddish stick usually ignited by friction to produce a dancing movement and a crackling sound; but Corpuz said the Department of Health (DOH) banned its manufacture due to threat of ingestion among children.

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