Treñas assures no raids on firecracker makers
Contrary to the pronouncements of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Mayor Jerry Treñas assured firecrackers manufacturers and dealers in the city that no police operation will be conducted against them for their failure to secure a permit.
Earlier, the Firearms Explosive Security and Guards (FESAGS) of the PNP issued a warning that they will launch operations against firecracker manufacturers in the city which incidentally are all unlicensed.
Treñas instead urged the firecracker manufacturers and dealers to exercise safety measures in doing their business. He said the Arevalo police station has been tasked to conduct continuous information dissemination about safety measures on making firecrackers.
A zone shall be designated by the local government unit where a manufacturing complex shall be established. The outer perimeter of this zone shall be at least 300 meters away from the nearest residential unit. Once the zone has been defined, no residential units shall be permitted nearer than the 300 meters from the perimeter of such zone.
The city mayor said many people will lose their jobs if the police will strictly impose Republic Act 7183, the law which governs the manufacturing, sale and distribution of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics devices.
Treñas described the firecracker business as “underground economy” and yet many people depend on it particularly those living in Arevalo district. Arevalo district is considered as the firecracker center of Iloilo City.
He also urged the manufacturers to form a cooperative for easier application as well as processing of their permit. The chief executive also hinted that the government could even pour out some funds for them. Manufacturers should coordinate with the task force on cooperative of the Iloilo City government.
In getting the manufacturers permit, the applicant is required to pay P2,500 and P500 for the license dealers. They have also to secure permits to import explosives, explosive ingredients, permit to unload explosive ingredient (solid form), purchase explosive ingredients and transport pyrotechnics and firecrackers.
The mayor said the city will help the manufacturers secure permits from FESAGS if they have already formed themselves into a cooperative. Everyone is complaining of the crisis right now and we have to help these people, he ended.