Zamboanga allows fireworks display anew; firecracker ban stays

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — After a nine-year ban, fireworks display is now allowed in this city.

Mayor John Dalipe signed an ordinance that took effect on Tuesday, allowing the professional display, sale and operation of pyrotechnics and commercial fireworks during public occasions.

The Professional Display of Pyrotechnics or Commercial Fireworks Regulatory Ordinance was signed on Dec. 15.

Dalipe said the use, sale, possession, distribution, storage and manufacture of firecrackers and consumer pyrotechnics are still banned in the city.

With the ordinance, limited and organized fireworks display may be allowed on Dec. 24 and 25, Dec. 31, Jan. 1, Chinese New Year, Eid’l Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Dia de Zamboanga, Zamboanga Hermosa Festival and other public occasions authorized by the office of the mayor and approved by the city council.

The city government banned the use and sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in 2013 following the Zamboanga siege.

”It has been more than nine years since the siege. The scars remain and the healing continues yet there is a need to move to normalcy. In times of revelries, let us altogether rejoice,” the ordinance read.

Illegal manufacturer arrested

Meanwhile, in Bulacan, an illegal fireworks manufacturer was arrested in Bocaue on Tuesday.

Edgardo Mendoza was apprehended at a makeshift fireworks factory in Barangay Biñang 1st at around 5 p.m., according to reports reaching Bulacan police director Col. Relly Arnedo.

Police said 700 sticks of kwitis, 500 jumbo gold fountain, 28 unfinished Sputnik silver fountain, a two-layer pagoda and assorted firecracker and pyrotechnic wrappers were confiscated from the suspect.

Mendoza is facing charges for violating Republic Act 7183 or the Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices. – Ramon Efren Lazaro