A barangay in Quezon City has banned the sale and use of the popular "lato-lato" toy for the safety of children and to reduce the noise it is creating in the community.
Barangay Matandang Balara Chairman Allan "AF" Franza issued Executive Order (EO) No.4, Series of 2023, on Tuesday, June 27, which prohibits the distribution, possession, sale, and playing of the toy within the jursidiction of the barangay. A copy of the executive order was posted on the barangay's official Facebook page (Barangay Matandang Balara - Action Forward).
A "lato-lato" toy has two plastic balls attached to both ends of a string. Children play with it by making the two balls hit each other, thus, creating clacking sounds.
According to the EO, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public in selling and playing "lato-lato" s it has not gone through the agency's notification process.
It added that the FDA cannot assure its quality and safety and it may also pose health risks to those who are using it.
It also said that the toy was already banned in different countries including Canada, United States of America, and United Kingdom due to safety hazards and high risk of injuries like choking, eye injury, and strangulation that it may cause to children.
The toy also creates noise that may cause disturbance to the neighborhood, it added.
The leaders of the barangay said that all stores in their community, as well as the residents, are prohibited from selling the toy.
Barangay public safety officers were authorized to confiscate "lato-lato" toys that they will see in their area.
All the confiscated toys will be brought to the main barangay hall for proper disposal, the EO stated.
Those who will refuse to surrender their "lato-lato" will be required to render eight hours of community service.
The parents of minors caught with the toys will be the one to render the community service, the EO said.