Task Force Paputok, a group tasked with drafting policies pertaining to firecrackers and pyrotechnics in Bacolod City for the upcoming holiday season, held a meeting earlier this week at the Bacolod City Government Center. Executive Assistant Ernesto Pineda, who heads the task force, gathered with representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), City Legal Office, City Health Office, City Treasurer’s Office, and Liga ng mga Barangay.
In prior years, the area for the sale of firecrackers was designated beside the Pope John Paul II Tower, located in the city’s reclamation area.
Last year, then-BCPO director, Police Colonel Francisco Ebreo, said dealers must adhere to several requirements before they can display and sell their items such as securing a manufacturer’s license, dealer’s license, retailer’s license, fireworks display operator’s license, permit to transport, and special permit for fireworks display.
That same year, once pyrotechnic sales were underway, Bacolod Firecracker Vendors Association President Allan Pacheco said, of the 68 kiosks constructed in the designated firecracker zone, 57 were provided permits by Police Regional Office-6.
He noted at the time, a few of their members were unable to set-up kiosks as they had yet to secure permits and complete inspections with authorities.
In 2018, then-Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III designated their areas for firecracker and pyrotechnic sales at the corner of Circumferential Road 1 and Jocson Street; C1 corner at Iloilo East Coast-Capiz; along Ondoy’s Sugbahan; Muelle Loney Street, along the riverside; and in front of the Muelle Loney Statue./WDJ