CEBU CITY, Philippines – Permitted vendors can sell fireworks at South Road Properties (SRP), the designated firecracker zone for this year, just like last year, starting December 20, 2023, barely five days before Christmas Day.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) deputy director for operations, confirmed this and mentioned coordination with the Regional Civil Security Unit in Central Visayas (RCSU-7) on fireworks selling and usage during the holiday season.
Rafter mentioned that the opening schedule was delayed due to a firecracker factory incident in Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City last Monday, December 11.
She added that RSCU-7 received permit applications from 15 Cebu City vendors to showcase and sell pyrotechnic products at SRP starting next week.
She added that as of this writing, they are still waiting for RSCU-7 for the list of fireworks that are permitted and prohibited.
Vendors found selling firecrackers without the permit may be facing consequences for their illegal selling, according to Rafter.
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‘Follow the rules’
Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO-7), for his part, reminded the public to follow the rules in order for the celebration to remain peaceful and accident-free.
“Nakita na nato ang resulta sa kadelikado sa fire crackers, sa storage, sa use. So among gipahumdoman ang atong mo publiko, sa umaabot nga holidays, Pasko ug New year, naa tay mga rules and regulations pertaining to the sale, use, manufacture of firecrackers and pyrotechnics. Let us just follow the law,” stated Pelare.
Pelare also advised vendors to sell their products at the firecracker zone.
Furthermore, he expressed that they will not hesitate to apprehend violators.
“We encourage that we follow these rules and regulations para we will have a very happy Christmas and New year. And kung naa mi makita nga violators…naay siyay penalty. Dili mi magpanuko sa pag-panakop,” he stated.
According to Pelare, it was the instruction of Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), to all police stations to strictly enforce the rules on fireworks selling during the yuletide season. /clorenciana
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