Firecracker vendors reminded to sell only at designated area

CEBU, Philippines - With only a few weeks before Christmas and New Year, the Cebu City Police Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection-7 are reminding firecracker vendors in Cebu City to only sell their products at the designated area in the city.

Cebu City Fire Marshal Rogelio Bongabong Jr. said they really expect an increase in the demand of firecrackers and other related products.

In line with this, he said fire cracker vendors are only allowed to sell their items at the designated “Firecrackers Zone” at the South Road Properties. But he said that as of now, the Firecrackers Zone has not yet been constructed.

If they catch anyone selling firecrackers along the sidewalks and other areas, Bongabong said they will hesitate to confiscate it, with the help of the policemen.Further, Bongabong said malls are allowed to sell fireworks, but not firecrackers.

Senior Superintendent Marciano Batiancela Jr., CCPO acting chief, said they have also been alerted by the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council with regards to the selling of firecrackers.

He said they are always ready to coordinate with the BFP-7 in implementing the order from the Cebu City Government.

“Magbuhat gyud ta og operation ana’ng firecrackers that are sold in the undesignated areas. Illegal gyud na siya,” said Batiancela.

The city has been being strict in the sale of firecrackers following the incident in Mandaue City in 2009 when an explosion at the North Reclamation Area killed three people – two children and a pregnant woman - and injured six others.

The incident occurred at an area designated by Mandaue City as its ‘firecracker zone.’ Some 54 firecracker stalls were destroyed by fire in just a few minutes.Immediately after the incident, then mayor Tomas Osmeña ordered that firecrackers can only be sold at the designated area at the SRP, which is away from crowd.

The city also implemented a 10-meter distance between stalls while fire trucks will also be on standby in case of emergency. Children are also not allowed in the area.

On the other hand, Bongabong said it would be better if the public would refrain from using firecrackers to prevent any accidents.

“Mag-torotot na lang gud o dukdok ba ron og kaldero. Safe pa na,” said Bongabong.  (FREEMAN)