Manila police to enforce firecracker ban

MANILA – The city government of Manila released on Tuesday its guidelines on the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in connection with the New Year’s Day celebration.

Under Executive Order (EO) 52 signed by Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, firecrackers such as Super Lolo, Atomic Big, Triangulo, Mother Rockets, Lolo Thunder, Five Star, Og, Pla-Pla, Pillbox, Watusi, Piccolo, Giant Whistle Bomb, Big Judah’s Belt, Large Bawang, Bosa, Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye Earth, Bin Laden, Coke in Can, Kabasi, and other related firecrackers are prohibited within the city.

Overweight firecrackers with more than 0.2 grams or 1/3 teaspoon of explosives, including those with short fuses or those that detonate in less than three seconds but no more than six seconds, are also banned.

“Further, firecrackers without labels and those which contain sulfur or phosphorous combined with chlorates are prohibited,” the order read.

The guidelines added that “only fireworks community displays shall be allowed within the City of Manila upon the express permission/ authorization of the city government by way of Fireworks Display permit issued for the purpose”.

Members of the Manila Police District will strictly implement the guidelines.

“The entire police district will be on the streets, avenues, and boulevards in the City of Manila. Bumili nalang kayo ng maraming torotot, ‘yung kaldero niyo sa bahay gamitin niyo, magsuot kayo ng bilog-bilog (Just buy trumpets, utilize your pots and pans at home, wear clothes with polka dots),” Domagoso said during the signing posted on social media.

The Philippine National Police earlier said firecrackers and similar devices are banned during the Holidays while each police station will coordinate with the local government unit to identify and monitor the zones allowed to hold fireworks.

Domagoso advised Manila residents to save up the money, instead of spending them on firecrackers and pyrotechnics, as the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 still exists.

Violators will be fined at least PHP20,000 but not more than PHP30,000, or imprisoned for at least six months but not more than one year, or both, upon the discretion of the court, in consonance with the provisions of Republic Act 7183, or the An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices, and the promotion of health and safety and general welfare of the people, in accordance with Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.

The city government will ban or black-list the erring person, association, organization, and fireworks supplier from future fireworks displays within the city.

Violators shall have the sole responsibility or accountability for any injury or death arising from the fireworks display.