MANILA, Philippines - Caloocan Mayor Enrico Echiverri appealed to traders to refrain from selling illegal pyrotechnics and firecrackers, particularly watusi (dancing firecracker) and piccolo, which are very attractive to children.
Children could easily acquire piccolo and watusi because these are available at neighborhood stores and could be fatal when ingested, the mayor said, adding that there were many incidents in the past wherein children ate watusi or piccolo, thinking they were candy.
“Let us put into consideration the safety of others. We shouldn’t endanger their lives, even that of our own family, just for a measly profit,” Echiverri said.
He also directed city police chief Senior Superintendent Jude Santos and public safety chief Alfonso Sta. Maria to “monitor” vendors, markets and other commercial places and warned that violators would face “appropriate” charges.