New fireworks ordinance difficult to enforce

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Task Force Pabuto admits they might have a hard time enforcing the recently passed city ordinance regulating the sale, use and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in Cebu City because of its specific provisions on the type of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices allowed to be sold.

The task force consisting of Bureau of Fire Protection, Cebu City Police Office, Squatters Prevention and Encroachment Elimination Division, Market Operations Division and City Treasurer’s Office, will still have to meet as to how they will implement the ordinance because they need to be careful.

“Gi-specify man gud ang types of firecrackers na pwede ra ibaligya. Kung magpataka ta, basin ma-technical nya ta,” Market Administrator Racquel Arce said.

Arce said that it was easier before when the regulated firecrackers and pyrotechnics are generalized. It did not require them to conduct an inventory of the types of firecrackers that must be confiscated.

The recently passed ordinance specified the type of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices allowed to be sold. The list is further divided to which can be sold only at the firecracker zone in the South Road Properties and which can be displayed in Malls and other areas outside the South Road Properties.

Firecrackers that must be sold only at the SRP are Class 2 and 3 firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are banger (Judas belt), fountain, Roman candle, mine, pinwheel (trompillo), rocket, combination, shell and shell in mortar, among others. These are suitable for outdoor use and may cause injury to people standing within five meters for class 2 or 25 meters or class 3.

Class 1 firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices allowed for sale are those with a cap, smoke device, party popper, table bomb, throwdown (bawang or triangle), novelty match (watusi), non hand-held sparkler and hand-held sparkler, cracker snap and serpent. These are devices suitable inside domestic buildings. Class 1 firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices can be displayed and sold in malls.

The Task Force will consult the City Legal Office on how they will enforce the ordinance.

Arce said the new policy might slow down the implementation. (FREEMAN)