PNP to monitor illegal firecracker makers

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now cracking the whip on illegal manufacturers of fireworks and firecrackers in the country.

The Firearms and Explosives Division (FED), which supervises businesses dealing with explosives, disclosed that majority of manufacturers of pyrotechnic products in the country are operating with expired licenses.

FED records showed that of the 167 registered fireworks and firecracker manufacturers in the country, 101 have expired licenses. Almost half of the 700 fireworks and firecracker dealers registered with the FED are also operating with expired licenses.

"We will intensify our monitoring so that those without licenses will not be able to do business. We have to assess why these manufacturers have failed to renew their licenses," said Senior Superintendent Geary Barias, FED chief.

Barias said the FED was given strict orders by PNP chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. to implement the rules governing the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic products to minimize injuries, particularly with the coming of the holiday season when brisk sales of firecrackers and pyrotechnic products are expected.

Representatives of the Philippine Pyrotechnic Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI), in a recent meeting with FED officials at Camp Crame, said that hikes in the licensing fees may have forced some firecracker manufacturers to go underground.

Under FED rules, Barias said it is illegal for manufacturers to produce firecrackers and pyrotechnic products that contain explosives of more than 1/3 of a spoonful.

Meanwhile, the FED urged local government units to set up firecracker safety zones to minimize firecracker-related injuries. Barias said firecrackers are supposed to be exploded only in these zones.