In compliance with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte four years ago, the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured that they will strictly enforce the ban on illegal fireworks this coming Christmas and New Year.
In 2017, Duterte implemented Executive Order 28, which limits fireworks on “community fireworks displays” to prevent injuries and deaths, except for certain subjects in laws, rules, and regulations.
“The PNP will make sure that the provisions on regulating, manufacturing, and distributing firecrackers will be strictly implemented based on Executive Order No. 28 that provides for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices,” said PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos, Tuesday.
“The PNP will enforce the provisions of Executive Order No. 28 to the letter.”
Each police station must liaise with their respective local governments to identify and observe designated firecracker zones.
Public safety agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council will inspect such areas.
“The PNP is serving fair warning to manufacturers and retailers not to engage in the distribution of illegal firecrackers at the risk of confiscation and arrest,” added Carlos.
PNP to strictly implement fireworks ban
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire first said Monday that they are already beginning surveillance for firecracker injuries. Until now, they have not recorded any injuries entering their data systems so far.
Part of the Department of Health’s (DOH) campaign, through its “Ligtas Christmas sa Healthy Pilipinas” campaign, is to prevent fireworks and use alternative noises instead in the coming holiday season.
The PNP now supports the initiative of all local government units to launch their fireworks displays in each barangay to prevent firecracker-related incidents in the coming days.
Under Republic Act 7183, also cited in E.O. 28, the director-general of the PNP decides what firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are illegal to control their use by the public after consultations with the concerned industry.
The PNP first clarified in December 2018 that fireworks containing more than 0.2 grams or 1/3 teaspoon of gunpowder are illegal. In addition, unlabeled fireworks and those with only “sulfur” or “phosphorus” mixed with “chlorates” were also banned.
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