Police urge public to report illegal firecracker makers

CEBU, Philippines —  Police are urging residents of Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, which is a known producer of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, to immediately report to the authorities their neighbors who are engaged in the illegal manufacture of such products.

They made such call after the firecracker-linked explosion at the house of Dico family in Purok Shooting Star, Sitio Babag 2, which claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy and injured the mother and another child.

Police Senior Executive Master Sergeant Rene Bentulan, chief of the explosive section of Police Regional Office-7, said that so far, there are only three accredited manufacturers of firecrackers in Babag, all of whom complied with the requisites before proper government offices.

Bentulan urged these firecracker makers to strictly follow the safety guidelines to avoid untoward incidents.

The Bureau of Fire Protection in Lapu-Lapu City has also joined calls for safety in the conduct of firecracker manufacturing.

Using a public address system mounted on its vehicles, the BFP roams the city to remind residents of the dangers of such activity.

As for Babag barangay captain Arsenio Berdin, he said he is not remiss in constantly reminding his constituents to comply with the laws.

In the aftermath of the explosion at Dico residence, Berdin has met all firecracker makers in his barangay to apprise them of the safety measures.

‘Go for Alternatives’

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Fire Station has urged the public to use alternative noisemakers and for parents to keep watch on their children to prevent injuries due to firecrackers this holiday season.

SFO2 Wendell Villanueva, public information officer of the Cebu City Fire Station, said the public can use horns in the cars or pot covers as alternative noises in celebrating the holiday season and welcoming the New Year.

"Hugot atoang baroganan nga mas maayo kon likayan ang paggamit sa mga firecrackers. Ug mogamit lang ta og alternatibo nga kahimanan sa paghimo og saba-saba, if the only intention is to make noise," said Villanueva.

If people cannot do away with the firecrackers and polytechnics, Villanueva said they have just to be careful and make necessary safety precautions and safety measures to avoid injuries and fire.

Considering that children are the most vulnerable during the celebration, he urged the parents not to allow them to use firecrackers.

Firecrackers which are already busted or broken should not be used since they might explode again, he added.

More importantly, firecrackers should not be lit inside the house to avoid fires.

Villanueva further said that barangays should designate a firecracker zone in their sitio to avoid fire.

"Dapat ang matag barangay mag-designate sa kada sitio og firecracker zone wherein duna tay common area kon asa pagabuhaton ang pagpabuto. Dili kay halos kada balay magpabuto. Like kaning kwetis, usa mana sa makamugna og sunog kay bisan asa mana motugpa. Dako kaayo siya'g risgo sa sunog," Villanueva said.

He said it would be better if there will be on-standby containers with waters in case a fire occurs due to the firecrackers.

"Mas maayo dunay naka-standby nga mga balde sa tubig or baril ssa tubig para simbako dunay sunog nga mahitabo gikan sa pagpabuto, at least duna tay dali nga magamit dayon sa pagpawng. Maayo gani duna tay container or baril bitaw, didto ta mgapabuto ang firecrackers  para ma-confine ra gyud siya," said Villanueva.

‘Ban up to LGU’

Knowing that the use of firecrackers has more disadvantageous effects, Villanueva said they are in full support of the advocacy of the Department of Health (DOH) concerning "Iwas Paputok."

When asked whether they will recommend to the local government unit to ban the use of firecrackers in the city, he said is it up to them since they already know the risk of using such.

"It is up to the local government unit, sila ra'y mag-igo. We know kahibaw sila  kon unsa ka-delikado ug ka-perwisyo ang mga firecrackers. We recommend nga if possible, i-ban nalang unta but mao lagi sa akong nadunggan sa mga kaila, nga there are those who already bought firecrackers online," he said.

The fire station has already conducted inspections on stalls in the city to ensure if they have business permits to display and sell the items as mandated by the higher officials in the station.

"Gipang-inspect ang mga mamaligyaay og pabuto, amo nana gitan-aw ilang business permit to ensure the safety sa mamlitay og sa mga gi-abangan nila nga building. kay kasagaran biya karon, dunay mga stalls inside sa malls, simbako naay mahitabo dapat wala gyuy testing sa mga firecrackers," Villanueva said. — Romeo T. Limpangog, Banat News , JMD (FREEMAN)