LGUs told to follow firecracker ban

FILE: “Anybody who will use firecrackers outside the community fireworks display areas will be apprehended,” he said, adding that anyone who violates the order will be penalized up to P30,000 and up to six months imprisonment. (PNA photos by Oliver Marquez)

DAVAO CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 11 is reminding local government units (LGUs) on the enforcement of the firecracker ban, saying they are required to identify designated areas for fireworks display.

PNP Regional Civil Security Unit chief Supt. Cydric Earl Tamayo also warned the public not to use firecrackers and pyrotechnics in non-designated areas as set by Executive Order No. 28 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte last month.

Davao City and the towns of Bansalan and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur are not required to identity fireworks display sites because of their local ordinances banning all firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

“Anybody who will use firecrackers outside the community fireworks display areas will be apprehended,” he said, adding that anyone who violates the order will be penalized up to P30,000 and up to six months imprisonment.

He said the provincial government down to the barangay level will identify the places where the people can use their firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

“The LGUs will be the ones to identify the area that will be used as community fireworks display areas,” he said.

Tamayo said the LGUs will also designate the areas for selling firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

The order entitled “Providing for the Regulation and Control of the use firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices” aims to lessen the firecracker-related injuries during the yuletide season.

Tamayo also reminded neighboring cities, towns, and provinces in the region that transport of firecrackers and pyrotechnics via Davao City or passing through the city is not allowed, saying: “They have to follow it because it’s prohibited in Davao City.”

He said the firecracker traders already knew about the ordinance but these people asked his office during their meeting if their stocks may pass the city because it will take time and expenses.

“Going to Butuan City, tuyok sila’g Cagayan de Oro City gawas kag Bukidnon and they will pass through Kidapawan City and mubalik pa sila’g Davao del Sur so, medyo layo og ang expenses ano sa ilaha og ang risk tungod sa kalayo (Going to Butuan City, they will turn to Cagayan de Oro City then they will be at Bukidnon and pass through Kidapawan City and going back to Davao del Sur, so the distance is so long, expensive, and risky on their part due to long distance travel),” he said.

Tamayo said the traders can use sea craft in Panabo City to transport their firecrackers to other areas.

“As long as they will not pass Davao City,” he said. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)