Fireworks stakeholders decry online selling of ‘killer’ firecrackers

BOCAUE, Bulacan, Philippines — Fireworks stakeholders in Bulacan have denounced the sale of oversized or “killer” firecrackers online, with the New Year’s revelry just three weeks away.

The oversized firecrackers, authorities and experts say, can cause serious injuries or even lead to death when used improperly, aside from being prohibited under Republic Act 7183 or the Firecracker Law.

Lea Alapide, Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association president, told The STAR that their group has informed the Philippine National Police (PNP) about the sale of oversized firecrackers online.

Alapide said the PNP confirmed that police are now investigating the sale of the banned products online.

“We have discussed this (issue) with the EMD (Explosive Management Division of the Firearms and Explosive Office of the PNP) already,” Jovenson Ong, president of the Philippine Fireworks Association, said.

“They said they would look into it. I think the PNP should really crack down on this before more Filipinos get hurt. I think... it won’t be long before these people (selling online) are apprehended,” Ong added.

Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Central Luzon regional police director, said the sale of banned firecrackers is among the issues being addressed in the implementation of the Oplan Ligtas Pasko.

The Pyrotechnic Regulatory Board of Bulacan, headed by Gov. Daniel Fernando, has yet to make a public pronouncement.

Bocaue is known as the fireworks capital in the country.