Selling, playing lato-lato now banned in Old Balara, QC

Barangay Matandang Balara (Old Balara) in Quezon City has prohibited the sale, distribution, possession and actual playing of lato-lato.

According to Marisol Abdurahman's report on "24 Oras" on Thursday, the authorities started confiscating the popular "clacking" toy in the area after Barangay Matandang Balara Chairman Allan Franza issued an executive order on the matter.

Before this, they initially reminded the residents of heeding Executive Order No. 4, which was signed on June 27.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) earlier said the sale of the popular toy should be stopped as it has yet to secure proper documentation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Old Balara EO also considered the FDA's advisory on the possible effect of the toy on children's health.

"Whereas, playing lato-lato toy further cause noise which is excessively loud and brought disturbance in the neighborhood, it is the responsibility of Barangay Matandang Balara-LGU to safeguard its children and adult population to the possible danger of playing lato-lato toy," the EO read.

All retail stores in the area are reprimanded for selling lato-lato and all barangay residents and/or persons inside Old Balara are prohibited from possessing and playing lato-lato.

“Meron pa po tayong mga nagwo-work from home eh, nakakaabala sa kanilang trabaho. Naglabas na tayo ng EO para mapre-empt na natin yang talagang nagkakasakitan na mga bata dahil d’yan sa lato-lato,” said Franza.

Most of the children voluntarily surrendered their lato-lato.

Shops were also raided, and notices of violation were given to shops caught selling lato lato.

The confiscated toys will be taken to the barangay's material recovery facility to be recycled. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA Integrated News