A PYROTHECNICS factory in Lapu-Lapu City, found to be operating without a license, has been closed after six people, including an eight-year-old girl and two teenagers, were injured in an explosion last week. The Department of Labor and Employment-Central Visayas (DoLE-7) issued on Tuesday a work stoppage order against Jonathan Latorre Amistad, 36, the owner of a clandestine firecracker factory in Barangay Buaya. Based on the DoLE investigation, Mr. Amistad has no permit to manufacture and sell pyrotechnics and firecrackers, no fire safety inspection certificate, and no business permit from the city government. DOLE-7 Regional Director Cyril L. Ticao warned all pyrotechnics manufacturers to secure all the required permits to ensure safety, and refrain from using child labor. “They should get all the necessary permits… they should not employ children in this kind of activity because this is very dangerous,” he said. Among those injured in the factory explosion were the owner’s daughter, a niece and a nephew, and his wife. Mr. Amistad denied that the children were working at the illegal factory. — The Freeman

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