A waste and pollution watch group has reiterated its call for a ban on firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices following a deadly blast at a firecracker store in Bocaue, Bulacan earlier this week.
The EcoWaste Coalition, which has been conducting its ‘Iwas Paputoxic’ drive since 2003 to complement the government’s annual campaign against firecrackers, warned that more people would perish and suffer this year if the outdated habit of igniting firecrackers and fireworks continue unabated.
“We appeal to the government to turn the citywide Davao ban on firecrackers and fireworks into a nationwide regulation that will safeguard human health and the environment from hazardous emissions and wastes, and protect the animals, too” said Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator.
“It’s high time that the rule of law, particularly the enforcement of our environmental and animal welfare laws, prevails in our customary welcome of the New Year. It’s time to discard the dirty, dangerous and deadly New Year rites,” she added.
The group expressed optimism that the executive order being drafted by the Department of Health awould totally ban the manufacture, distribution and sale of firecrackers for individual and household use.
“As most of the victims of firecracker-related injuries are young children, we also hope that the EO would impose tough penalties to vendors selling firecrackers to minors,” Lucero said.
On Wednesday, a series of powerful blasts rocked a row of fireworks stores along McArthur Hiighway in Barangay Biniang, killing two people and hurting 25 others. At least 10 vehicles were also burned.
Authorities identified the fatalities as Gina Gonzales, 47, owner of the Gina Gonzales Fireworks and a relative of former Bocaue mayor Lorenzo Gonzales; and former barangay chairperson Gigi Ayala, 60.
It was the first major fireworks-related explosion to hit Bocaue in six years. In 2008 and 2009, rows of fireworks stores in Bgy. Turo were rocked by powerful explosions that both happened on New Year’s Eve.