Police start confiscating "lantaka"

CEBU, Philippines – Even before the Cebu City Council can take up the proposed resolution declaring illegal the manufacturing of improvised cannons or "lantaka," the police have already started confiscating these dangerous toys.

Superintendent Armando Radoc, deputy director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said the personnel of the 11 police stations in Cebu City have been ordered to confiscate these "lantaka" to ensure the safety of the public, particularly children.

Speaking during the 888 News Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel yesterday morning, Radoc said he has observed that some children use PVC pipes in making their improvised canons and place something hard into the improvised barrel to serve as bullets.

Cebu City Councilor Edgardo Labella is happy about this development. It was he who proposed the ban on lantaka and pugakhang. 

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Police Director Anthony Obenza said he already called a meeting with all those who are engaged in the firecracker business and warned them to comply with the provisions of the law.

Police Regional Office 7 Director Ager Ontog announced that the 5,000 policemen in Central Visayas are already prepared for their respective tasks during Christmas, New Year and even during the Sinulog in January.

Health officials, for their part, have encouraged local leaders to protect the children from fireworks-related injuries by strictly enforcing the ban on the sale, manufacture, purchase, and use of all illegal firecrackers with more than 1/3-of-a-teaspoon explosives content.

Statistics showed that the number of firecracker-related injuries was smaller last year.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the children are the most prone and vulnerable to fireworks-related injury that's why he urged everyone to do their share.

Ontog has admired the Cebu City Government for designating a common fireworks display area which is at the South Road Properties where there are no houses. (FREEMAN)