Don't buy smuggled, illegal pyrotechnics products

PPMDA's Celso Cruz shows legal fireworks products

MALOLOS CITY—Bulacan fireworks manufacturers warned buyers against smuggled pyrotechnics products which penetrated more than 50 percent of the Philippine market.

As this developed, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office in Bulacan released names of pyrotechnics manufacturers in the province with product standard (PS) mark and license, while the Department of Health (DOH)continue warn the public against use of firecrackers.

Joven Ong of Dragon Fireworks based in San Rafael, Bulacan said local buyers must carefully check pyrotechnics products that they are buying in preparation for the holidays.

He told DZMM radio in an interview yesterday that smuggled pyrotechnics products has penetrated more than 50 percent of the domestic market.

Ong added that smuggled products are sold at lower prices because its manufacturers and dealers did not pay taxes.

“Our biggest advantage is our quality, hindi namin basta ibinebenta ang aming products, we follow strict quality control,” he said.

As one of the biggest pyrotechnics manufacturers in South East Asia, Ong said that Dragon Fireworks continue to innovate with new products every year.

He also reminded pyrotechnics users to be more responsible by reading instruction before and after lighting fireworks and other pyrotechnics products.

As this developed, DTI-Bulacan released a list of pyrotechnics manufacturers in the province which secured a PS mark and license for their products.

Rhine Aldana, head of DTI-Bulacan said that PS mark is one of the guarantees that a product is of high quality.

For pyrotechnics products, she said that it means that the manufacturers strictly followed guidelines in the manufacture of firecrackers and fireworks.

The PS mark and license recipients in Bulacan based on the DTI list are  Diamond Fireworks in Pulilan town, Dragon Fireworks in San Rafael, Platinum Fireworks  and Phoenix Fireworks in Santa Maria, Tiger Fireworks in Angat, Nation Fireworks in Baliwag, Pyrokreation Fireworks in Sta. Maria, SPM Fireworks in Bocaue, Double L Fireworks in Pandi, Ercy’s Fireworks in San Ildefonso, RF Fireworks in Bocaue, ZN Fireworks, A. Santiago Fireworks, Purity Fireworks all in Baliwag town and Yanco Fireworks in Bocaue town.

Illegal and oversized firecracker

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Enrique Ona reiterated his call against the use of firecrackers during the holidays to avoid injuries, while encouraging community based fireworks displays.

In an interview with DZMM radio,Ona also called on parents to watch their children ansd advised them not to pick unexploded firecrackers.

Earlier, Bulacan Police Director Senior Superintendent Joel Orduna warned buyers and sellers  of oversized and illegal pyrotechnics products.

He said that they have deployed plainclothes police officers who are specifically tasked to act a buyer and illegal pyrotechnics products and arrest sellers.  Dino Balabo