After Mandaue Fire, Rama to meet firecracker vendors

CEBU, Philippines - Following the fire that hit a firecracker zone in Mandaue City last Christmas eve, Vice Mayor Michael Rama will gather today all firecracker vendors in Cebu City to ensure that no indiscriminate selling of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices would be made here as the New Year closes in.

Rama said the meeting will focus on re-orienting firecracker vendors and other stakeholders of City Ordinance 1963, which penalizes the indiscriminate setting off or exploding and the imprudent display of firecrackers anywhere in the city.

“We should go back to the ordinance and the basic safety measures so that the incident in Mandaue would not happen in Cebu,” Rama said.

The fire that hit Centro, Mandaue City two hours before Christmas eve claimed three lives, including a 30-year-old pregnant woman and two boys, ages eight and seven, and injured several others. Fifty stands selling firecrackers also burned down.

Under City Ordinance 1963, violators can be fined P1,000 and may face imprisonment of at least one month and not more than three months.

An offender can also be fined and imprisoned at the discretion of the court or pay the administrative compromise fee of P500.

Cebu City already designated a firecracker and pyrotechnic zone at the South Road Properties, thus, vending such anywhere else is no longer allowed.

Rama said that the restriction will be observed to minimize or totally eradicate injuries or possible fires caused by firecrackers and other pyrotechnic products.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Fire Marshall Esmael Codilla said the fire department remains on heightened alert so that all fire sub-stations in the city can immediately respond to any eventuality.

Codilla said a fire truck will be stationed at the SRP where firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are being sold until the end of the month.

Codilla advised Cebuanos to be extra cautious in using firecrackers and other devices in greeting the New Year. He has also urged parents to discourage their children from lighting or playing with firecrackers to avoid injuries and/or a fire.

“Kanang mga bata nga mugamit ug firecrackers badlongon gyud na aron malikay sa disgrasya ug luwas ang atong pagsaulog sa bag-ong tuig,” Codilla said. — Elly T. Bolonos/JMO (THE FREEMAN)