Ban on firecrackers, pyrotechnics in 3 Makati barangays, still in effect

The local government on Friday reminded residents and the general public that the city ordinance banning firecrackers and other explosive materials in three barangays enacted last year is still in effect.

"Since the problem of the oil leak has not yet been resolved with finality, we will not lift the ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnics in the three affected barangays. At the same time, we will also enforce the citywide ban on the sale of firecrackers to very young children who are most vulnerable to firecracker-related accidents," Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said in a statement.

City Ordinance No. 2010-A-020, which bans the sale, manufacture, storage, possession, or use of all types of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and other explosive materials in Barangays Bangkal, Pio Del Pilar, and Magallanes, was passed in light of the high risk of explosion in areas affected by the petroleum pipeline leak first detected at the basement of West Tower condominium in Bangkal. The pipeline, owned by the First Philippine Industrial Corporation, passes through the said barangays.

Among those prohibited by the Ordinance are baby rocket, bawang, small triangulo, pulling of strings, paper caps, el Diablo, watusi, Judah's belt, sky rocket (kwitis), "and other types equivalent to the foregoing in explosive content;" and pyrotechnic devices such as sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle, butterfly, all kinds of pyrotechnic devices (pailaw), "and other types equivalent to the foregoing devices."

The City Council passed the ordinance in December last year after several soil tests indicated that many areas were highly combustible because these were saturated with petroleum products. Thus, "a small spark, flash or discharge of flame within and near the said areas will cause an explosion," said the ordinance. -PIA — ARA