Deadly explosion prompts inspection on pyro factories
The police in Arevalo district have started inspecting firecracker factories in the area following the deadly explosion that killed four persons and wounded 10 others last week.
Considered as the fireworks capital of Iloilo City, there are more than 70 firecracker manufacturers in Arevalo.
The inspection which started the other day is being led by Senior Insp. Eliezer Baclagon, Arevalo chief of police, with Lito Jusa, technical working group of Iloilo City Hall and two other policemen.
Baclagon said the inspection aims to make sure that the manufacturers are following the proper guidelines and safety precautions.
So far, the team was able to inspect 20 manufacturers from two barangays of Mohon and San Jose, all of Arevalo district.
Baclagon said, since December last year they kept reminding manufacturers to take extra precaution in making these explosives.
The chief of police added they have been conducting seminars to the manufacturers and dealers to make sure that they have a full understanding of the nature of their business and the risks involved.
“Wala kami nagkulang sa pagpahanumdum para sa ila kaayuhan (We always remind them of their own safety),” he stressed.
Baclagon emphasized that one important rule is that the manufacturing site must be at least 50 meters away from residences.
He also said that manufacturers should not keep explosives at home.
Once caught violating the rules, Baclagon said that the products and fireworks ingredients will be confiscated and their permit will be revoked
The deadly explosion happened around 5 p.m. of Sunday in Brgy. Mohon, Arevalo.
Those killed were Rodrigo Galleno and siblings Luther, a 13-year-old high school student, Rodessa, a second year college student; and their grandmother Sophia, 90.
Other injured were taken to the Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital and Saviour International Hospital .
Houses near the Galleno firecracker factory were also partially damaged.
