The Mandaue City Council has moved to tighten safety measures on kite flying, approving a resolution that raises concern over hazardous kite strings linked to injuries, fatalities, and damage to public infrastructure.
The measure flags growing risks tied to the use of glass-coated “manja,” metal wires, and high-tension nylon lines, especially during the summer kite-flying season.
Councilor Carlo Fortuna said these materials pose serious dangers to both motorists and pedestrians, citing reports of injuries caused by stray kite lines.
“Daghan pod diri sa Mandaue nga nagpalupad og tabanog,” Fortuna said.
The resolution comes after two separate incidents in which motorcycle riders were injured after kite strings reportedly snagged their necks while passing along the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).
Fortuna said the strings may have originated far from the bridge itself, noting how far they can travel when carried by wind.
“Layo og naabtan since naabot man sa bridge,” he said.
He added that similar risks could also affect other major structures in Mandaue, including the Serging Veloso Osmeña Jr. Bridge and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge.
The council also warned that hazardous kite strings can cause severe lacerations and, in some cases, death.
Fortuna cited recent incidents involving motorists who sustained critical injuries.
Beyond personal harm, the resolution also raised concerns over possible damage to power and telecommunications lines.
Entanglement of kite strings may trigger short circuits, service interruptions, and costly repairs.
“Ang risgo sa injury ug disgrasya naa gyud. Di lang ta maghuwat nga madugangan,” Fortuna said.
Authored by Fortuna, the resolution discourages the use of dangerous kite materials in residential and high-traffic areas and promotes safer alternatives such as cotton-based strings.
“Kanang mga dagko nga tabanog mas gahi na. Nylon ang gamiton ana. Kung makaagi ka ana, mahiwa ka ana mura na og blade,” he said.
The measure tasks the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and barangay safety officers to patrol known kite-flying areas and intervene when necessary.
Fortuna stressed that kite flying remains allowed but must be done safely.
“Ang pagpalupad sa tabanog dili illegal. We will not prohibit that, but ang ato lang unsa ang materials nga gamiton nga dili maka-cause og disgrasya,” he said.
The council also directed the city’s Public Information Office, the Liga ng mga Barangay, and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation to intensify information campaigns on safe kite flying through both traditional and online platforms. (VCL)
Photo by Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
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