Celso leads destruction of seized firecrackers
Mayor Celso Lobregat drenches seized firecrackers and pyrotechnics into a drum of water, a yearly activity done after New Year to emphasize the implementation of the firecracker law, in front of City Hall Wednesday. Looking on are Councilor Rudy Lim, Council aspirant Elbert Atilano and Police Investigation Division Chief Insp. Joel Tuttoh. (JOEY BAUTISTA)
Mayor Celso Lobregat yesterday led law enforcers in destroying cartons-load of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices confiscated from street vendors and business establishments during series of operations last December.
City government workers, some members of the local police and media witnessed the destruction of the firecrackers held in front of City Hall yesterday morning.
Councilors Rudy Lim and Nonong Guingona, City Administrator Antonio Orendain Jr. and his assistant Elmeir Apolinario and council aspirant Elbert Atilano joined Mayor Lobregat in soaking the firecrackers and pyrotechnics that amounted to over P40,000.
“This is an annual activity following the New Year celebration because these kinds of firecrackers are banned by law due to hazard contents,” Mayor Lobregat told reporters as he drenched bundles of “Kwitis” in water inside a drum in front of City Hall.
Destroyed were firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices with explosive content such as the “Atomic Triangulo,” “Super Lolo,” “Kwiton” (giant kwitis) and “Pla Pla” including “Piccolo” and “Watusi” which is hazardous to health when inhaled. The sale of devices with explosive content is a violation of Republic Act 7183 or the Firecrackers Law.
Mayor Lobregat had issued Executive Order N0. CL 305-2009, regulating the manufacture, distribution, sale and use of powerful firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices during the New Year celebration “to prevent loss of lives and limbs during the yearend revelries.”
The chief executive had also issued another order (CL 306-2009) banning the sale and use of pellet toy guns in the city to protect the children from unnecessary injuries. (Vic Larato)