Firecracker vendors told to get permits, obey rules
City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday urged sellers of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials to obey the order he gave regarding the "fire cracker selling areas" to avoid untoward incidents. His statement was in relation to the recent apprehensions made by police at the Molo plaza of vendors without permit.
Treñas said sellers should get a permit from the barangay where the selling area is located before they can start selling firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials. There should be proper observance of the executive order to avoid another round of arrest against the sellers, he said.
The fire cracker selling areas for Molo district is at Molo plaza. Currently, there are already a number of makeshift stalls in the plaza. But it could not yet be ascertained if how many vendors have permits to sell.
In the executive order, selling and buying at any place other than those designated shall not be allowed. Firecrackers and pyrotechnics materials sold at any other place shall be confiscated by any peace officer and shall be turned over to appropriate authorities for inventory. The violation by the vendor of any conditions shall be a ground for termination of vendor's privilege.
The designated areas to sell and buy firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials for the city proper is at the vacant lot in front of Vic Imperial Appliance Center, Iznart Street, City Proper. Plaza, Mandurriao (Mandurriao Plaza fronting the police station), Jaro (Plaza), Lapaz ( Lapaz Plaza and the Promenade, the street along Barangay Laguda and fronting Iloilo River) and Arevalo ( Quezon Street, JV Jocson Street, from UMV Building to Osmena Street, Barangay Mohon, Arevalo, Bonifacio Street and Yulo Street.
The executive order relative to the identification of fire cracker selling areas took effect last December 20, 2007. The same order stands until December 31, 2007. The order comes with designated areas and required things to be put up in their stalls.
The seller are also required to provide a "No Smoking and No Testing Signages" in their stalls. This will serve as reminder to both the seller and buyer. Minors are prohibited to engage in vending and selling of firecrackers neither they would be allowed to buy the same.
The vendors or sellers of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials are required to place in their stalls, at all times a plastic cover for firecrackers, supply of water and sand. The sand and water would be used to put off a fire. Both the seller and the buyer are prohibited to smoke and test the firecrackers in their selling area.