The industry associations, regulators and academe were gathered once again during the Consultative Meeting with the Stakeholders of Explosives / Explosive Ingredients  and Controlled Chemicals Industry on September 22 at the PNP Multi-Purpose Hall of Camp Crame.

The meeting was intended to finalize the industry-proposed categorization of the PNP List of Explosives / Explosive Ingredients and Controlled Chemicals which rationalizes the interest for peace, safety and security of the country and the recognition of the peaceful and commercial / industrial uses of these controlled chemicals.

PSupt Victor Drapete, Chief of the Chemistry Division of the Crime Laboratory presented the new categorization of chemicals as High Perceived Security Risk and Low Perceived Security Risk. He also presented some parameters within each perceived security risk level. Further to the discussion, PSSupt John Bulalacao, Chief Explosive Management Division, presented the PNP’s response to the position papers submitted by different industry associations.

In her closing messages, PEZA Deputy Director General Mary Harriet Abordo emphasized that the issue strikes the core of the industry. The current regulations have direct impact on the competitiveness of the country especially in the advent of ASEAN integration. PEZA alone has 3,500 companies affected of 3-4 Billion export and 3000 – 5,000 employees affected that is why there is wide clamor on clear and transparent regulations and regulators, all expenses are given an official receipts, fees and processing time are reasonable.