Public warned against selling of firecrackers in small stores

CEBU, Philippines — A Cebu City official is reminding those who are selling firecrackers in small stores that they are violating a city ordinance and the items can be confiscated anytime.

Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak urged all barangay tanods to coordinate with police personnel in their respective barangays in confiscating firecrackers sold in small stores.

Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, said he has noticed that several sari-sari stores are now selling firecrackers even to children.

In Cebu City, the designated area for display and selling of firecrackers is the South Road Properties.

Tumulak said those people caught selling outside SRP will be penalized for violation of City Ordinance 2290 and Republic Act 7183.

He said the city and the national government already imposed a law that will regulate the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

“We only allow selling of firecrackers at the South Road Properties and they should secure permits from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and a business permit from the city,” he said.

Tumulak said there is a need for the barangay tanods to step up and help the authorities in enforcing the law.

There are also reports that sari-sari stores are selling firecrackers to children, which is illegal.

He said most of the sari-sari stores that are selling firecrackers are located near public schools.

“We just want to protect the children and we also want to avoid indiscriminate lighting of firecrackers even in the wee hours, which is very disturbing,” he said.

If barangay tanods confiscate illegally sold firecrackers, the items should be turned over to BFP for proper disposal.

The vending of firecrackers and pyrotechnics at SRP will start two weeks from now, Tumulak said. (FREEMAN)