50% of pyrotechnics smuggled, say makers

MALOLOS CITY , Philippines   â€“ Smuggled pyrotechnics have penetrated more than 50 percent of the domestic market, a pyrotechnics maker here lamented yesterday.

Speaking over radio dzMM, Joven Ong of Dragon Fireworks in San Rafael, Bulacan said the smuggled pyrotechnics are being sold at lower prices because their manufacturers and dealers have not paid taxes.

“Our biggest advantage is our quality,” Ong said. “We follow strict quality control.”

The public must read instructions before and after lighting fireworks and other pyrotechnics, Ong said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also warned the public yesterday against buying smuggled low-quality pyrotechnics whose manufacturers are not known.

The DTI has released the names of pyrotechnics manufacturers in Bulacan holding product standard (PS) marks and licenses.

Rhine Aldana, head of DTI-Bulacan, said the PS mark is a guarantee that pyrotechnics manufacturers strictly followed guidelines in making firecrackers and fireworks.

Based on the DTI list, the PS mark and license recipients in Bulacan are Diamond Fireworks in Pulilan town, Dragon Fireworks in San Rafael, Platinum Fireworks and Phoenix Fireworks in Santa Maria, Tiger Fireworks in Angat, Nation Fireworks in Baliwag, Pyrokreation Fireworks in Sta. Maria, SPM Fireworks in Bocaue, Double L Fireworks in Pandi, Ercy’s Fireworks in San Ildefonso, RF Fireworks in Bocaue, ZN Fireworks, A. Santiago Fireworks, Purity Fireworks all in Baliwag town, and Yanco Fireworks in Bocaue town.

Speaking over dzMM, Health Secretary Enrique Ona called again on the public to avoid exploding firecrackers during the holidays.

Parents must watch their children and guard against picking unexploded firecrackers, he added.

In Ormoc City, councilors passed a resolution banning the sale and use of firecrackers during the holidays.

Proponent councilor Vincent Rama said the resolution aims to protect the lives and properties of typhoon-ravaged residents.

With most of the city still in darkness, firecrackers could cause people to confuse it with gunshots and panic, he added.

 â€“ With Lalaine Jimenea, Danny Dangcalan