Despite existing laws banning their manufacture and sale, illegal firecrackers remain accessible in Divisoria, Manila, according to consumer watchdog group Ban Toxics, which flagged weak enforcement and the absence of police visibility in the area.
Ban Toxics said it began daily monitoring of major public markets on December 21 and found that prohibited firecrackers were being sold only in Divisoria during its inspections.
In an interview on DZRH’s Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, Thony Dizon, one of the group’s campaigner, reported successfully purchasing banned items such as Super Plapla, Five Star, and Piccolo, some of which were sold discreetly, indicating continued underground trade.
“Isinapubliko na po natin ito para po makapagbigay ng paalala lalong-lalong na panawagan natin doon sa ating Philippine National Police,” the ban toxics member said.
Dizon also said the group did not observe police officers or barangay personnel conducting patrols during their visits.
He stressed that since authorities are already aware of known firecracker-selling areas and should intensify daily police visibility, especially during the holiday season when demand increases
“Dapat nga po halos araw-arawin yung police visibility. Tutal alam naman po ng ating mga kapulisan at mga lokal na pamahalaan kung saan po yung bentahan ng mga paputok, lalo na po sa parte ng divisoria.”
The watchdog renewed calls for stricter enforcement following reports of severe firecracker-related injuries, particularly involving children. Dizon said the continued circulation of illegal firecrackers remains alarming given their direct link to serious accidents and fatalities.
Dizon cited Republic Act No. 7183, which regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of firecrackers, as well as Republic Act No. 10620 or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Law, which covers consumer safety for children’s products.
He noted that despite these laws, illegal firecrackers continue to enter the market, pointing to enforcement gaps and the need for stronger coordination among regulatory agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration and the Bureau of Customs.
“Iyon po yung nakakabahala dahil sa gitna po ng mga batas na meron tayo, meron pa rin patuloy na nagmamanufacture nito, patuloy na nagbebenta. Kailangan po talaga ng masanay i-intensify po talaga yung efforts ng ating regulatory agencies.”
As New Year celebrations approach, Ban Toxics urged parents to avoid firecrackers and protect children from both physical injuries and toxic chemical exposure.
The group reiterated its campaign message, “Iwas sa putok, iwas disgrasya, iwas polusyon,” warning that firecrackers pose long-term health risks beyond immediate injuries.
“Mahalaga po talaga na mapangalagaan natin yung ating kalusugan lalong-lalo na sa pagkalantad sa mga nakalalasong kemikal mula po dito sa mga produktong katulad ng mga paputok.”
Ban Toxics also said that noisemakers such as ‘torotot’ remain safer alternatives for children but stressed that these products must still undergo proper regulation and inspection, as many are made of plastic and may contain harmful chemicals, especially since they are often placed in the mouth.
“Mainam po talaga na masiguro lang natin na hindi ginagamitan ng anumang chemical ‘yong gumagawa o lumilikha ng ganitong produkto.”
