THE Interior Department on Saturday said that pyrotechnics or ‘‘pailaw’’ were still allowed to be used outside the place of residence following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order regulating the use of firecrackers.
But it reiterated the ban and discharge of Piccolo or “scratch bangers” and other prohibited firecrackers.
At the same time, Palace spokesman Harry Roque told local government units to strictly enforce Duterte’s Executive Order No. 28, regulating the use of firecrackers and to designate community fireworks displays for the enjoyment of the public.
“All allowable consumer pyrotechnics or ‘pailaw’ may be used outside designated community fireworks areas, meaning outside places of residences,” Interior officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy said in a recent memorandum order.
According to Executive Order 28, signed by Duterte last June 20, the use of firecrackers will be confined to community fireworks displays “to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties.”
Under Republic Act 7183, only the following types of firecrackers can be manufactured, sold, distributed and used: baby rocket, bawang, small triangle, pulling of strings, paper caps, el diablo, and sky rocket (kwitis).
Meanwhile, the following pyrotechnic devices are allowed: sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle device, and butterfly.
The extremely popular Piccolo is still prohibited, including but are not limited to Super Lolo, Whistle Bomb, Goodbye Earth, Atomic Big Triangulo, Judas Belt, and Watusi.
All firecrackers with gunpowder exceeding two grams or 1.3 teaspoons are also strictly prohibited.
The new clarificatory policy guideline comes after the Philippine Fireworks Association asked the department to explain Section 2 of Executive Order 28, series of 2017 which states that: “Pyrotechnic devices other than firecrackers may be used outside community fireworks displays.”
The DILG said that non-compliance of local government units to this Memorandum Circular shall be dealt with in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations.
Just last week, Cuy told PNP and BFP to enforce stricter measures on use of firecrackers this holiday season—including the conduct/inspections, confiscate (sic) and destroy prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in accordance with EO 28 as well as Republic Act 7183.
Just recently, on Dec. 22, an 11-year-old boy in Pasig City was listed as this year’s first case of fireworks-related injury, and was treated at the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center.
Health Department data showed that from Dec. 21, 2016 to Jan. 5, 2017, a total 630 fireworks-related injuries were recorded by the sentinel sites.
Of the total 630, 627 were from fireworks injuries and three cases of fireworks/firecrackers ingestion.