Marikina shuts down mini-carnivals

To avoid a repeat of the tragic incident last year wherein a 10-year-old girl was killed in a carnival ride accident, Marikina City Mayor Maria Lourdes Fernando ordered yesterday the closure of all mini-carnivals, popularly known as “perya,” in several barangays.

Fernando ordered Engineer Alfonso Espiritu, head of the City Engineering Office, to dismantle mini-carnivals operating in Barangays Parang, Sto. Nino, and Marikina Heights after they were found to have not secured necessary permits from City Hall.

Fernando noted that the mini-carnivals showed permits only from the respective barangays. Espiritu said the carnival rides in these barangays had not been inspected by their office.

Tessie Magsino of the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) said their department has not received any application for mini-carnival operation.

Magsino added that for mini-carnivals to operate, its owners must secure barangay clearance, approval from the engineering office, sanitary permit and public liability insurance papers.

On Christmas Day last year, Katherine Diana Picandal, 10, was killed while her sister Kimberly was seriously hurt when the octopus ride they were on suddenly broke down.

Fernando was furious that the carnival owners refused to shoulder the hospital bills of the victims.  – Non Alquitran