Officials from the Bacolod City government, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) yesterday met to discuss preparations for the sale and use of firecrackers ahead of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day celebrations next month.

Executive Assistant Ernesto Pineda said, under City Ordinance No. 511, series of 2009, and Executive Order No. 21, series of 2004, the sale of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics is only allowed towards the rear of the Pope John Paul II tower, located along Rizal Avenue Extension in the reclamation area.

Pineda warned, the sale of firecrackers outside the designated area is illegal and violators face a fine, confiscation of their wares, and possible charges in violation of RA 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics.

Bacolod City fire marshall, Fire Superintendent Rodolfo Denaga, said vendors are required to follow strict fire safety rules, which includes being equipped with two drums filled with water and sand.

Buyers and sellers are also prohibited from smoking cigarettes near the vending area.

As a precaution, Denaga said they would also be placing a firetruck at the vending area to ensure safety.

In addition, Senior Police Officer 3 (SPO3) Jacob Montoya of the BCPO Firearms and Explosives Security and Guard Supervision (FESAGS) said vendors are only allowed to sell after attending the safety training course, which was held last month.

Montoya also said barangay officials must designate their own community fireworks display area in their respective barangays.

The establishment of a designated community fireworks display area is conducted in accordance with Executive Order No. 28, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

He added, the 10 city police stations would also deploy personnel to these designated areas to supervise the display and use of firecrackers./DGB, WDJ