Firecracker ban in 3 Makati barangays stays

MANILA, Philippines – The ban on the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in three barangays in Makati City affected by an oil leak in July 2010 stays.

Makati fire chief Ric Perdigon yesterday said the city government has not issued an order to lift the firecracker ban in Barangays Bangkal, Magallanes and Pio Del Pilar.

“Anybody caught selling firecrackers or using fireworks in these barangays will be arrested by the police,” Perdigon said.

The city government had approved an ordinance banning the use of fireworks and firecrackers in Barangays Bangkal, Magallanes and Pio Del Pilar after they were affected by the oil leak from the pipeline of the First Philippine Industrial Corp. (FPIC) in 2010.

Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said that although the cleaning phase of the oil leak has been continuing, the ordinance remains in effect to prevent harm on residents.

“Although the cleaning phase of the oil leak has been ongoing for years now, the city government deems it proper to keep the ordinance in effect so that no further harm could befall our constituents,” Binay said.

“We have been in constant communication with environmental specialists and consultants to determine whether the soil and water in these areas have been freed from traces of oil,” he added.

An oil leak from the pipeline was discovered at the basement of the 22-story West Tower Condominium in July 2010, prompting the city government to order the evacuation of the building.

The FPIC pipeline transported oil and petroleum products from Batangas to the oil depots in Pandacan, Manila.

Under the ordinance, violators of the firecracker ban will be penalized with a fine of P5,000 or six months imprisonment.

The firecrackers prohibited by the ordinance include baby rocket, bawang, small triangulo, pulling of strings, paper caps, el diablo, watusi, Judas’ belt and skyrocket (kwitis).

Banned pyrotechnic devices are sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle and butterfly.

Binay reminded the public that the city government is still implementing the 1994 ordinance that prohibits the sale of firecrackers to minors.

Violators are fined P1,000, jailed for 15 days or both, at the discretion of the court.

For his part, Perdigon said the city fire department is ready for fires that may be triggered by fireworks and firecrackers during the New Year’s Eve revelry.

“We are ready together with the volunteer firefighters although we are striving for zero-fire incidents,” he said.

Perdigon urged residents to refrain from using firecrackers to greet the New Year.