ILOILO City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has issued a reminder ahead of the holiday rush: Iloilo City has zero licensed firecracker or pyrotechnics manufacturers, making any form of production inside city limits illegal.
“Actually, when it comes to firecrackers, Iloilo has no licensed manufacturer,” said Senior Fire Officer 1 Denmark Macoco, acting chief of the Intelligence and Investigation Unit of the Iloilo City Fire Station. “There are some backyard operations, but as to legal, licensed manufacturing — none exists here in Iloilo.”
Macoco stressed that the crackdown on illegal production falls chiefly under the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“The main enforcement on backyard manufacturers is really with the PNP because these operations are unlicensed,” he said. “We in the BFP also face challenges because we do not have storage facilities for confiscated items.”
He added that the city lacks any designated firecracker production zone similar to those in Negros Occidental, particularly Hinigaran.
“Here, we simply do not have licensed manufacturers, proper zones, or facilities.”
Month-long firecracker selling begins Dec. 1
Under Executive Order No. 148 issued by Mayor Raisa Treñas, Iloilo City is allowing firecracker sales for the entire month of December — a major expansion from previous years.
“Selling will only be allowed from December 1 until December 31,” Macoco said. “Unlike previous years where it was almost just one week, this time the whole month is permitted.”
Vendors have begun securing permits ahead of the opening.
Authorized vending sites
* Circumferential Road 1 corner Joscon Street
* Circumferential Road 1 corner Iloilo East Coast–Capiz Road (near Ondoy’s Sugbahan)
* Muelle Loney Street (riverside, in front of the Muelle Loney statue)
Macoco reminded sellers to follow spacing rules, electrical safety protocols, and BFP design standards.
“If one stall catches fire, it should not easily spread,” he said.
“There will be fire safety inspections before anyone can operate.”
Public warned: Don’t store firecrackers at home
Macoco urged residents to avoid keeping firecrackers inside houses due to improper storage conditions.
“It is prohibited to store firecrackers in your homes,” he said. “If you really must buy, use them right away. Homes are not designed for proper firecracker storage.”
He also advised igniting fireworks only in open or designated areas.
“Please avoid igniting firecrackers near flammable materials or homes. Use open areas. Always have water or a fire extinguisher ready.”
As Iloilo prepares for Christmas and New Year, Macoco said the priority is reducing accidents.
“We cannot prevent accidents entirely, but we can reduce risks,” he said. “Follow city guidelines, use designated areas, and always be prepared in case of fire.”/PN
