Noy urges public: Shun firecrackers in welcoming 2015

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has reminded New Year’s Eve revelers to do away with firecrackers in welcoming 2015.

In his videotaped message for the New Year, the President said the people should consider the effects of firecrackers on other revelers and the environment.

He said garbage and thick smoke would cause pollution, aside from too much noise brought about by firecrackers.

“Most of all, this puts the lives of our fellowmen in peril which, come to think of it, is not necessary,” Aquino said.

The President said it would be best to focus attention on loved ones, the real reasons for the thanksgiving and celebration.

He wished everyone a joyful and peaceful New Year.

Aquino is expected to be with his family to welcome 2015 just like on Christmas Day.

Firecracker ban

Zamboanga City officials have imposed a total firecracker ban for the second year in a row.

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

Salazar said the ban aims to protect possible victims of firecrackers in the city despite a strong campaign by the local health office.

City Administrator Antonio Orendain said the ordinance also prohibits the use of all contraptions that cause explosion, including the traditional bamboo cannon.

The House of Representatives committee on public order and safety has moved to start consolidating several pending bills that seek to impose stricter regulations on the sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics.

The panel, chaired by Negros Occidental Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, formed a technical working group (TWG) that will consolidate House Bills 786, 1409 and 4434, authored by Reps. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Pampanga, Harlin Abayon of Northern Samar and Sherwin Gatchalian of Valenzuela City, respectively.

The TWG will be headed by Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil.

“I believe the firecracker bills are among the legislative priorities of the committee. The committee hearings on the consolidated bill will depend on how fast the TWG finishes its job and submits this to the committee for deliberation,” ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Samuel Pagdilao, vice chair of the panel, said.

Pagdilao said he supports the early passage of the consolidated bills to address the yearly concern brought about by firecrackers.

The Western Visayas police urged the public to observe the proper use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

While the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics could not be prevented, officials of Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 said injuries could be prevented if users and sellers adhere to what is right and lawful.

PRO6 said it is closely monitoring the use and sale of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

“Our main concern is the protection of the public, particularly the children, from firecracker-related injuries,” said PRO6 director Chief Superintendent Josephus Angan.

The Philippine National Police enforces the strict implementation of Republic Act 7183 or the Firecrackers Law, which regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Local police units are urged to conduct daily inspection and massive operation against illegal sellers of firecrackers.

Those found violating the rules would face criminal charges.

Masbate City policemen seized banned firecrackers last Sunday.

Masbate City police chief Superintendent Cerilo Daclison Trilles Jr. said among the confiscated firecrackers were four pieces of Gorgeous firecrackers imported from China, 24 pieces of Dragon Eggs, 100 pieces of pla-pla and five boxes of Pacquiao-Ultraman.

Elvie Sarmiento, head of Oplan Iwas Paputok monitoring team of the health department, said the number of persons injured by firecrackers in Bicol has reached 43.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Carmelo Valmoria declared yesterday all police camps in Metro Manila as firecracker-free zones during the New Year’s Eve revelry.

Valmoria warned police personnel in the five police districts and civilians living inside police camps that they face severe penalties should they be arrested for using firecrackers.

“We are banning the use of firecrackers inside police headquarters and stations. And these include not only policemen but also civilians living inside these police camps,” said Valmoria in an interview.  – With Paolo Romero, Non Alquitran, Roel Pareño, Jennifer Rendon, Celso Amo