Sell firecrackers but follow laws, DTI-CL warns

San Fernando, Pampanga—People who want to earn an honest living through the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, specially during Christmas season, may do so provided they follow the law set by government authorities to avoid injuries and fires, the Department of Trade and Industry in Central Luzon said.

So far, DTI-CL noted that police and health authorities reported four injuries as of Dec. 24, including two boys aged ten years old in Western Visayas and Calabarzon, a four-year-old girl from Cagayan Valley, and another in Metro Manila.

All the victims were injured by fireworks made by “unsafe and unlicensed” manufacturers of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, the Department of Health said.

DTI-CL said the pyrotechnics must come from the 15 manufacturers and producers licensed by government.

Earlier, the department announced that 15 out of the 29 manufacturers in the Central Luzon with their corresponding brand name products are licensed to ply their trade, as they follow the rules and regulation by government authorities.

 These are A.G.E. Pyrotechnic Enterprises, Diamond Fireworks, Double L. Fireworks, Dragon Fireworks Inc., Global Lion Fireworks Inc., Golden Leopard King Fireworks Manufacturer, MADS Fireworks, Mary P. L Diaresco Pyrotechnic Manufacturing, Nation Fireworks, Pegasus Fireworks, Phoenix Fireworks, Platinum Fireworks, Inc, Purity Fireworks, Pyro Kreaction Fireworks, R and F Fireworks, Tiger Fireworks, Wow Fireworks Manufacturing and Yangco Fireworks. 

Traders and others who want to engage in buy-and-sell during the holidays may do so but must display a copy of the license of the authorized manufacturers, Warren Serrano, communication head of the DTI in the region, said. Romeo Dizon

“The license must be displayed in public together with the firecrackers for the buyers to see,” Serrano said. “The firecrackers is an established industry in the region, specially in Bulacan, wherein 95 stores and dealers and thousands of workers depend on their livelihood, specially those from Bocaue and Sta. Maria towns.”

According to Serrano, those found violating law will be prosecuted under Republic Act 7183 that governs the production, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers in the country.

The law also carries penalties of imprisonment from six months to a year and fines from P20,000 to P30,000 against violators.

Serrano added those selling fireworks without the brand name of the authorized producers pose danger to the public because of their “lack of safety nets” that guarantee and protect the public against firecracker-related injuries and fires during and after holiday celebrations.

DOH records show the downward trend in firecracker-related injuries from 2017 and 2018, but the department admitted much should be done to keep numbers reduced or down to zero this coming New Year seasion.