The city government through Executive Order (EO) 53 issued by Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, has designated the selling and buying of firecrackers in certain areas only from Dec. 20 to 31, 2012 in order to ensure the public’s safety against possible dangers from pyrotechnic materials this holiday season. 

These areas are: Plaza Libertad across the Government Service Insurance System building in City Proper, Molo plaza across Andoks Restaurant in Molo, Mandurriao plaza fronting the police station, Jaro plaza at the right side of the belfry, La Paz plaza across the office of the Bureau of Fire Protection; and Quezon Street, JV Jocson Street (from UMV building) to Osmeña Street, Brgy. Mohon, Bonifacio Street and Yulo Street in Arevalo. 

Vendors shall only sell firecrackers bearing the Philippine Standard mark and all necessary product certification marks mandatory under PNS 1220-:1994; they are required to have plastic cover for firecrackers, ready supply of water and sand; should prohibit the testing of firecrackers at their premises and disallow smoking within the area; should also place “No Smoking and No Testing” signage in their stalls; and minors  are prohibited to buy and sell such products.

The police will confiscate firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials being sold outside the designated zones. 

Violation of the EO will mean cancellation of privileges of the vendor. 

Exempted from decree are legitimate businessmen who are selling firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials in their establishments.*Lucy Montealto-Sinay/ICPIO