Zamboanga City bans makeshift cannons in total firecracker ban

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Officials in Zamboanga City warned revelers against the use of the traditional bamboo and tin-can canons as the city imposes the total firecracker ban for the second year now.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the city administrator’s office and the police will strictly apply City Ordinance 431 that prohibits the sale and use of the firecrackers in the city.

The city initially imposed the total firecracker ban last year to ease out the trauma of the residents following the siege on September 9 by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels under Nur Misuari faction.

Salazar said the ban aims to protect also the possible victim of firecrackers despite a strong campaign by the local health office.

City Health officer Dr. Rodelyn Agbulos said the city registered only one case of firecracker injury. The victim was a minor who played the banned piccolo firecracker.

City Administrator Antonio Orendain said under the ordinance, the use of all forms of contraption that causes explosion is also banned, including the traditional bamboo canon. 

He said the ordinance also prohibits the use of the methane or gas canons locally known as ‘boga.’

“The traditional use of bamboo canon is included in the prohibition of the use of firecrackers and police and military will help patrol to monitor the implementation of the ordinance,” Orendain said.