Iloilo City identifies 6 firecracker zones
The city government here has identified six zones as selling and buying areas of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials from December 20 to December 31, 2008.
City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas issued Executive Order No. 50 which identified the firecrackers areas as the following: the vacant lot in front of Vic Imperial Appliance Center at Iznart St. in the city proper; Molo Plaza in Molo district; Mandurriao plaza fronting the police station in Mandurriao district; Jaro plaza in front of SM Save More Mandaue in Jaro district; La Paz plaza and Promenade, the street along Brgy. Laguda fronting the Iloilo River in La Paz district and at Quezon St., JV Jocson fronting UMV Bldg. to Osmeña St., Brgy. Mohon, Bonifacio and Yulo streets in Arevalo district.
The move is to ensure the safety of the public.
The buying and selling at any place other than those designated areas are not allowed. Firecrackers and pyrotechnics being sold in these areas shall be confiscated by any peace officer and turned over to appropriate authorities for inventory.
Treñas said the vendors are required to have at all time a plastic cover for the firecrackers, supply of water and sand and they must strictly prohibit the general public and buyers to smoke and test the firecrackers at their premises. The vendors shall also provide a "no smoking, no testing" signages in their stalls.
The prohibition on the designated firecracker zones is not applicable to all legitimate businessmen who are selling firecrackers within their own business establishments.
The barangay chairmen of identified firecracker zones shall ensure the strict implementation of the Executive Order thru their barangay tanods in coordination with the precinct commanders of the Philippine National Police. (PNA)