Bulacan crackermakers alarmed over imported fireworks

MALOLOS CITY — Local pyrotechnics industry players yesterday expressed fears that the industry, one of the major businesses in the province of Bulacan, might suffer huge losses due to the unabated influx of imported and smuggled pyrotechnics into the country.

Neptali Guballa, president of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI), said that he has been receiving complaints from members in key areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that imported firecrackers from China are now being openly sold in public markets and even in sari-sari (variety) stores all over the country.

"This is not only very alarming to the local fireworks industry but also a mockery of Philippine laws," Guballa told reporters.

Republic Act 7183 or the Firecracker Law strictly prohibits the importation of finished pyrotechnics products.

Guballa said he has informed the Civil Security Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) about the influx of imported firecrackers now flooding local public markets all over the country.

PPMDAI members were saddened by this development since they are now conducting safety and development seminars to uplift the local pyrotechnics industry and make it globally competitive.