BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) reminded the general public to comply with the ban on certain firecrackers for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Police Major Rolando Araño, IPPO spokesperson, emphasized that it is essential for community members to be aware of the banned firecrackers to ensure safety during the festive season.
The list of prohibited firecrackers includes popular items such as Pop-pop, 5-star, Watusi, Plapla, Piccolo, Giant Bawang, Goodbye Bading, Goodbye Philippines, Atomic Bomb, Super Lolo, Hello Colombia, Large Judas Belt, Giant Whistle Bomb, Atomic Triangle, Mother Rockets, Goodbye Delima, Goodbye Napoles, Coke in Can, Super Yolanda, Pillbox, Kabasi, and Hamas.
Araño emphasized that these firecrackers have been deemed hazardous due to their high risk of causing incidents such as fires and injuries as well as burns and amputations.
To ensure compliance, the IPPO will actively monitor the sale and distribution of firecrackers throughout the province.
“The police will conduct spot or random inspections, and if any of the mentioned firecrackers are found during our inspection, they will be confiscated and stored in a safe place following proper procedures to avoid accidents,” said Araño.
Further, the IPPO spokesperson highlighted the importance of following designated areas in the community assigned by local government units for firecracker use. He said this measure minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures that celebrations are carried out in locations where proper safety measures can be implemented.
Additionally, Araño urged the public to refrain from igniting firecrackers while under the influence of alcohol. He explained that consuming alcoholic beverages impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Araño also took the opportunity to remind community members of the significance of home security during the holiday season. He urged residents to ensure that their houses are properly locked, with all potential entry points for thieves or burglars adequately protected. Moreover, he recommended keeping flammable objects away from sources of heat or sparks to prevent fire incidents./PN