‘Goodbye Panot’, ‘Boom Panot’ among new banned firecrackers

Move over, "Goodbye Gloria" and "Ampatuan": Here come "Goodbye Panot" and "Boom Panot".

 

These are among the newest monikers given to powerful and dangerous fireworks being sold in time for the New Year revelry.

 

But the new fireworks are also banned, prompting dealers to sell them in secret, GMA News' Emil Sumangil reported on "24 Oras" on Thursday.

 

Since last week, authorities have been cracking down on such powerful explosives, the report said.

 

These explosives rank high on the list of law enforcers, along with "classics" like the Super Lolo and piccolo.

 

Many are expected to flock to Bocaue in Bulacan, considered the country's fireworks capital, in the coming days to buy fireworks for the New Year celebration.

 

However, the "24 Oras" report also cited dealers who said many buyers now look for the safer fireworks that explode in the air and give off a dazzling display.

 

One store, the "Tindahan ni Aling Maliit," sold such fireworks named after the "Dabarkads" of noontime show "Eat Bulaga."

 

One such firecracker was even named after a movie starring hosts from the show: "My Big Bossing."

 

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection has reminded firecracker vendors to observe safety rules and comply with requirements, such as placing four fire extinguisher tanks, one drum of water and one sack of sand near their outlets.

 

But the vendors also asked the government to help them as well by promoting safe ways to welcome the New Year.

 

"Baka puwede palitan ng ingat, iba ang ingat sa iwas," said one dealer, referring to the government's current "Iwas Paputok" campaign. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News