Firecracker traders hit sale of piccolo

MALOLOS, Philippines – Fireworks stakeholders have criticized the open sale of piccolo.

Joven Ong and Vimie Erese, presidents of Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. and Philippine Fireworks Association, respectively, noted that piccolo, an illegal firecracker, accounts for more than 50 percent of firecracker-related injuries during the Yuletide season.

They said the work stoppage order issued by the Department of Labor and Employment on firecracker establishments did not affect the manufacture of piccolo because it is imported.

Ong lamented that local fireworks companies are having a hard time securing permits to sell legitimate firecrackers while piccolo is being sold openly in some areas in Metro Manila, particularly in Divisoria.

Erese said they relayed their concern to Ricojudge Echiverri, assistant secretary for external and legislative affairs of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Echeverri earlier warned fireworks stakeholders that the DILG would push for a total firecracker ban next year if the number of firecracker-related injuries would continue to increase.

The fireworks associations said a drop in the number of injuries could be expected if the proliferation and sale of piccolo is stopped.

Nine of the 28 firecracker-related injuries in San Fernando City, La Union recently were due to piccolo, according to reports received by the Department of Health regional office.

At least 18 of the cases were reported in Pangasinan, five in La Union, three in Ilocos Sur and two in Ilocos Norte.