DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Mayor John Dalipe has suspended the business permit of Next Step Fireworks Shoppe following a Saturday afternoon explosion at a warehouse on Marquez Drive in Barangay Tetuan. The suspension is pending the results of an ongoing investigation into the incident.
Jonathan “Jojie” Chua, the operator of Next Step Pyrotechnics, owned the fireworks but not the warehouse where the explosion occurred.
Dalipe convened a meeting at City Hall on Monday, July 1, with representatives from various agencies to address issues arising from the explosion.
During the Tuesday meeting, District Fire Marshall Christopher Morales recommended a total ban on firecrackers, fireworks, and other pyrotechnic devices to prevent future incidents.
However, this proposal requires a new city ordinance, as the current mandates permit fireworks for entertainment or celebratory purposes under specific conditions.
Dalipe is expected to issue an executive order directing the City Engineer’s Office, police, and barangay officials to inspect all warehouses and storage facilities in the city.
City Police Director Col. Kimberly Molitas informed the meeting that the explosion site and its surroundings remain closed to civilians and motorists, including nearby residents, due to ongoing clearing operations. Several boxes of pyrotechnics, now drenched with water, still need to be retrieved and safely disposed of in Muti on the East Coast.
“People cannot return to the area until everything is cleared for safety and precaution,” Molitas stated, noting that they have received 37 complaints, mostly regarding damages caused by the explosion.
Other attendees at the meeting included City Administrator Atty. Wendell Sotto, Executive Assistant Gio Perez, City Planning Officer Ma. Luz Agbayani, City Engineer Christopher Navarro, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Ma. Socorro Rojas, City Licensing Officer Benjie Barredo, and City Hall Spokesperson Liza Jocson.
