Massive campaign vs. illegal firecrackers ordered

CEBU - With the entry of the Christmas season, the Cebu City Council is calling on the police to conduct a massive campaign against firecrackers and other explosive products being sold without permit.

The council also asked the city health department, city treasurer’s office and the market division to aid the police in going after violators. The council specifically instructed these agencies to “immediately come up with a more drastic and sustainable measure to limit the availability of firecrackers.”

The council made the order in line with the decision of fire officials that no permit will be issued to vendors of firecrackers and pyrotechnic products.

Engr. Restituto Gabisan, chief of the city fire station’s prevention section, decided not to issue clearance to those who want to sell firecracker because they usually sell their products along the sidewalks.

Normally, fire crackers may be sold if the vendors can acquire a clearance from fire officials, a mayor’s permit, and the payment of P1,000 directly to the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Vendors must also buy their products from legitimate firecracker manufacturers in order to avail of a copy of the manufacturer’s license and the authority to sell the products. — Rene U. Borromeo/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)