ILOILO City – Exercise caution when purchasing firecrackers this holiday season, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Iloilo urged the public.
Ma. Dorlita Chavez, Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI-Iloilo, emphasized the importance of checking product labels for details such as the brand name, manufacturer’s name and address, and the Philippine Standard (PS) Mark, which ensures the firecracker’s safety and quality.
She also advised buyers to look for the “Made in the Philippines” mark on firecrackers, as the importation of such items is prohibited.
Additionally, consumers are encouraged to review warnings and usage instructions to prevent accidents.
According to Chavez, there are no licensed firecracker manufacturers in Western Visayas.
“We have 14 licensed manufacturers and nine brands but none are from Western Visayas. Most of these licensed manufacturers are from Bulacan,” she said.
DTI started monitoring firecracker sales in designated zones on December 23. Sellers found displaying firecrackers from unlicensed manufacturers or brands will be asked to remove them from their stalls.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Civil Security Group reminded the public to purchase only Philippine Standard-certified fireworks and firecrackers from registered retailers and dealers.
Pursuant to Executive Order 28 and Republic Act 7183, the following firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are prohibited:
* Watusi
* Piccolo
* Poppop
* Five Star (big)
* Pla-Pla
* Lolo Thunder
* Giant Bawang
* Giant Whistle Bomb
* Special
* Atomic Bomb
* Atomic Triangle
* Large-size Judas Belt
* Goodbye Delima
* Hello Columbia
* Goodbye Napoles
* Mother Rockets
* Kingkong
* Kwiton
* Super Lolo
* Goodbye Bading
* Goodbye Philippines
* Bin Laden
* Coke-in-Can
* Pilbox
* Kabasi
* Tuna
* Goodbye Chismosa
Consumers are urged to report illegal firecracker sales to the authorities to ensure a safe and accident-free celebration./PN
