BALITANG TOKSIK! | 09 December 2024
Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics is calling on the Philippine National Police and Local Government Units to intensify the monitoring and confiscation of prohibited firecrackers being sold in the market, especially during Firecracker Injury Prevention Month.
In a recent market monitoring conducted by BT Patrollers, the group documented prohibited firecrackers being sold by ambulant vendors along M. De Santos Street, Divisoria, Manila. Five Star was offered for sale at PHP 120 per pack, Piccolo was priced at PHP 180 to PHP 200 per pack, and Pla-pla at PHP 180 to PHP 200 per pack.
According to the Department of Health (DOH) Fireworks-Related Injury Surveillance from December 21, 2023, to January 6, 2024, the total number of fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) in 2023 reached 609—a 98% increase from the 307 recorded in 2022.
Last year, the Philippine National Police released a list of prohibited firecrackers, including Watusi, Poppop, Five Star, Pla-pla, Piccolo, Giant Bawang, Goodbye Bading, Goodbye Philippines, Atomic Bomb, Super Lolo, Hello Colombia, Judas’ Belt, Giant Whistle Bomb, Atomic Triangle, Mother Rocket, Goodbye De Lima, Goodbye Napoles, Coke-in-Can, Super Yolanda, Pillbox Star, Kabasi, and Hamas.
BAN Toxics has been monitoring the sale of prohibited firecrackers since November and will continue to monitor and document such illegal trading to raise concerns with government regulators and enforcers and protect children’s safety as part of its advocacy and campaign efforts.
“We must initiate a nationwide campaign for Iwas Paputok to protect children from firecracker-related injuries as the New Year countdown approaches. It is their right to have a safe and healthy environment and to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals,” the group said.
