Ormoc bans sale, use of firecrackers

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — The City Council has approved a resolution totally prohibiting the sale and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics anywhere in the city during this holiday season.

Councilor Vincent Rama, proponent of the resolution, said this was meant to protect the lives and properties of typhoon-ravaged Ormocanons.

"With most of the city still in darkness, firecrackers or pyrotechnics could cause people to confuse it with gunshots and panic. Moreover, firecrackers could cause the flimsy plastic sheet roofing of many houses here, big and small, to burn if thrown its way. A single spark could spell disaster to these houses," he said.

Rama added that while the city resolution is not being heeded fully, very few have taken to the usual holiday revelry. "Money is hard to come by nowadays, and firecrackers and pyrotechnics are the least that people think of buying right now," he added. — (FREEMAN)