Firecrackers, pyrotechnic
devices banned in Zambo
*
The ordinance enacted September 30, 2014 as an
urgent measure, takes effect immediately in accordance with the provisions of
Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.
The strict prohibition likewise is in effect “at
anytime regardless of the occasion except of such prohibited items are in the
form of a cargo or cargoes that will only be used by the city as transhipment
point to another ship or vessel or vehicle or other means of transportation to
its point of destination outside of Zamboanga City”.
The transhipment of the banned items however has
several conditions. Items in transit are to be stored temporarily in warehouses
and other suggested storage facilities deemed safe as determined by the City
Government and the Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards
Supervisory Section (FESSAGS) for a period not exceeding 3 days and that the
concerned dealer or supplier shall immediately notify the City and FESSAGS of
any and all incoming cargo or cargoes containing the banned items.
Any person or business establishment found to be
violating the law shall be penalized with a fine of not less than P1,000 nor
more than P5,000, or imprisonment of not less than 6 months nor more than 1
year or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court in
addition to the cancellation of the license or permit issued by the PNP and the
Business Permit issued by the city and the confiscation by the city of his
inventory or stock.
Administrative fines include P1,000 for first
offense; P3,000 for second offense and P5,000 for third offense.
The local chief executive, through the City
Administrator, in coordination with the City Fire Marshall, the FESSAGS, PNP
and such other concerned agencies are directed to enforce the provisions of the
Ordinance. Barangay chairmen are also deputized to enforce the law in their
respective areas of jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, a Technical Working Group is created based
on the ordinance, for the purpose of formulating rules the Implementing Rules
and Regulations necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of the
said law and to institute any and all relevant measures to ensure its smooth
implementation.
The TWC is composed of the mayor as chairperson,
the city administrator as vice chairperson and the Chairman of the Council
committee on peace and order, City Treasurer, City Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Officer, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, City Health
Officer and the FESSAGS representative as members.
The ordinance was authored by Councilors BG
Guingona, Cesar Jimenez Jr., Charlie Mariano, Juan Climaco Elago II, Eduardo
Saavedra Jr., Miguel Alavar III, Vincent Paul Elago, Luis Biel III, Melchor Rey
Sadain, Jerry Perez, Roel Natividad, Rogelio Valesco Jr., Myra Paz Abubakar,
Percival Ramos and Rommel Agan with Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde as presiding
officer.
Last year, Mayor Climacoo issued an executive
order in response to a City Council resolution directing the temporary ban on
the use and sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices within the city.
The city was prompted to institutionalize the ban
on firecrackers and pyrotechnics devices due to risks it pose on lives and properties.
Likewise the memories of the 2013 siege are too fresh to be forgotten and the
city government deemed it right and proper to put in place a “definitive and
decisive step in banning potential incendiary tools or devices” on a permanent
basis “if only to prevent fears, anxieties and a contributory factor to the
general feeling of threat and insecurity”. (Sheila Covarrubias) (102114)
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