Bocaue, Bulacan — Fireworks industry stakeholders in Bulacan are raising alarm over the rampant online sale of oversized or banned firecrackers, which pose significant risks of injury or death during New Year’s celebrations, now just weeks away.

The tradition of welcoming the New Year in the Philippines with firecrackers and fireworks displays has long been regulated under Republic Act 7183, which tasks the Philippine National Police (PNP) with overseeing the safe use and sale of pyrotechnic products. Under this law, oversized firecrackers are strictly prohibited, as they are often linked to accidents and fatalities during holiday festivities.

Legitimate fireworks manufacturers and dealers have expressed frustration, claiming that illegal sellers of banned firecrackers, often made by unlicensed manufacturers, are jeopardizing their businesses. These products, previously sold discreetly through the “bulong” (whisper) system, are now more widely accessible via online platforms.

Lea Alapide, president of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc., revealed in an interview with Arkipelago News Bulacan that their group has already alerted the PNP to the issue. She explained that PNP officials have confirmed that they are now investigating the online selling of these banned products and those that will be caught will face appropriate legal charges.

Jovenson Ong, president of the Philippine Fireworks Association, echoed this concern.

“We have discussed this with the EMD [Explosive and Management Division of the Firearms and Explosive Office of the PNP] already. They said they will look into it. I think PNP should really crack down on this before more Filipinos get hurt. I think… it won’t be long before these people get apprehended.”

Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Central Luzon regional police director, affirmed that the PNP is preparing to enforce “Oplan Ligtas Pasko,” a safety campaign that includes addressing the sale of illegal firecrackers.

Meanwhile, the Pyrotechnic Regulatory Board of Bulacan, led by Governor Daniel Fernando, has yet to release an official statement regarding the current challenges facing the province’s fireworks industry.

Stakeholders are urging swift action to curb the illegal trade, emphasizing the importance of safety during the upcoming New Year celebrations.

📷 Mon Lazaro