Banned Fireworks Continue to be Sold in Stores and Streets

Bocaue, a municipality in the province of Bulacan, is where the country's pyrotechnic industry is said to have started. The sale of fireworks by authorized manufacturers and dealers is year round. But since it is the holiday season it is not a surprise to see the highway lined with makeshift stalls selling firecrackers of different kinds, sizes and intensity. In the efforts of the government to lessen the injuries caused by fireworks, the police cracked down and seized illegal firecrackers. However, despite their efforts banned fireworks such as the Piccolo, Bawang and Goodbye Philippines which are said to be strong enough to shatter windows, continue to be sold in stores and in the streets of Bocaue, Bulacan.

The Fire and Explosives Office of the Philippine National Police released earlier this month a list of banned fireworks which include: Lolo Thunder, Super Lolo, Bawang (Large), Plapla, Watusi, Kwiton, Giant Whistle, Judas Belt (Large), Og, Atomic Bomb, Piccolo, Goodbye Philippines and the Kabasi.