By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The use of firecrackers is not
allowed this Christmas season in the city, the city government reminded the public and businessmen.
Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar issued Executive Order BC 23-2013
prohibiting the sale and display of any kinds of pyrotechnics following the
23-day MNLF siege last September.
“The incident brought untold trauma, stress and anxiety to all residents,”
the lady mayor was quoted as saying.
Mayor Climaco stressed that with the harrowing incident still fresh in
the minds of the public any explosion may still affect the residents of
Zamboanga and cause panic.
Police
Regional Office 9 spokesperson and FESAGS head Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca
said they would be strictly implementing the firecracker ban as ordered by
Mayor Climaco. He explained that violators will be charged with violation of
Republic Act 7183, an act regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and
use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, approved on January 30,
1992.
Huesca
said they will be tapping different barangay officials to help for monitor and
enaure that the ban is implemented.
The
Executive Order also bodes well with the national government’s campaign against
the use of firecrackers.
The
Department of Health (DOH) has been campaigning for the “Iwas Paputok” for
years now to ensure a safe and hazard-free celebration of Christmas and New
Year. Instead of firecrackers, DOH is encouraging the use of alternative and
safe noise-making toys or devices during the festivities. (PIA9)