By Gabriela Baron
Kite-flying is now outlawed in Manila due to the dangers it poses such as electrocution and fires, the local government announced on Tuesday.
"Sa kadahilanang napakarami naming natatanggap na report at reklamo tungkol sa mga problemang idinudulot ng pagsasaranggola, minabuti na lang namin na magbigay ng direktiba sa lahat ng Barangay Officials na ipagbawal na ang pagpapalipad ng saranggola sa kalakhang Maynila (Due to numerous reports and complaints we have been receiving, we have decided to order Barangay Officials to ban kite-flying in Manila)," a memorandum released by the Manila Barangay Bureau read.
According to the memorandum, kite-flying activities may trigger fires if a kite string gets entangled on electric wirings and may also cause electrocution to kite flyers.
Manila Barangay Bureau OIC-Director Romeo Bagay also said that kite can cause traffic incidents and kites left hanging on posts and at the top of the houses add to the litter in the city.
"Ang mga saranggolang naiiwang nakasabit sa mga poste at kabahayan ay nagiging sanhi ng hindi magandang tanawin sa ating barangay (Kite strings left entangled on electric posts and houses are eyesores to our barangays),"Â he added.
Meanwhile, Meralco earlier called on the public to refrain from flying kites near power lines to prevent possible power outages in critical establishments. (With a report from Minka Tiangc0)