DTI seizes unlicensed fireworks in Bocaue
By Princess Clea Arcellaz
AHEAD of the expected influx of buyers, the Department of Trade and Industry’s Consumer Protection Group (DTI-CPG) cracked down several unlicensed fireworks being sold in Bocaue, Bulacan.
DTI-CPG Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo, who led the activity through the DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), and in coordination with the DTI-Bulacan Provincial Office and the Philippine National Police (PNP), said some 573 pieces of unlicensed fireworks with a retail value of P26,340 were seized from stores in Bocaue town.
The surprise spot-checking activity in several stalls selling fireworks in the Fireworks Capital of the Philippines is designed to ensure that the products being sold in the market are compliant with safety standards, Castelo said.
Aside from the crackdown of illegal firecrackers, three out of the 26 firms inspected were also issued Notices of Violation for apparent noncompliance of technical regulations on Department Administrative Order (DAO) 02 Series of 2007 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
Also, Castelo said there has been an improvement in the compliance of firework retailers in Bulacan as compared to last year’s enforcement operation.
In 2020, the DTI-FTEB’s monitoring and enforcement team reported that only one out of 15 monitored establishments was compliant while the remaining firm were selling unlicensed fireworks.
According to DTI-BPS, as of December 22, 2021, there are only six licensed manufacturers that can make and supply fireworks in the country this year, namely, Dragon Fireworks Incorporated, Diamond Fireworks Inc., Leegendary Fireworks Inc., Pegasus Fireworks, Phoenix Fireworks, and Double L Fireworks.
The said companies passed the necessary requirements and testing conducted by the BPS.
Castelo reminded the public to buy only licensed fireworks to ensure a safe celebration of holidays.
“Buying uncertified fireworks can cause damage to property or even pose danger to life. We are here to remind everyone to only buy and support licensed fireworks produced by certified and authorized manufacturers because these products underwent the conformity assessment process, including inspection and testing prior to market distribution to ensure the safety of the general public,” Castelo said.