Fireworks factories sternly warned vs hiring children

MANILA, Philippines - Fireworks factories hiring children "will be dealt with the full force of law" as child labor violates rights and exposes the youth to hazardous chemicals, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Thursday.

The DOJ-led Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) said that factories and fireworks shops using children in their operations have been apprehended in the past and will also face charges under Republic Act 9231 or the Special Protection of Children law.

"Everyone must understand that the young children subjected to the manufacturing of these pyrotechnics are not aware of the risks that they are being exposed to, and their parents who allow or even push them to work do not know any better," Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said in a statement.

According to the measure, employers or shops found guilty of child exploitation may suffer the penalty of a fine ranging from P100,000 to P1 million, or imprisonment of not less than 12 years.

De Lima, chairperson of IACAT, said local government units play a vital role in eliminating the worst forms of child labor in their communities.

She said local officials should adopt measures to monitor fireworks factories and similar businesses especially as small shed operations mushroom during the holiday season.

"It's the responsibility of the government, both national and local, to protect our youth from this danger of being exposed to hazardous child labor," De Lima said, adding that the high risk environments in such manufacturing centers expose even adult workers to health problems.