Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 28) — A few days before New Year’s Eve, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local officials to strictly enforce the firecracker ban in their respective localities.
“Tiyakin po natin na napaiiral ang mga ordinansang ito…Lagyan natin ng pangil ang mga ordinansang ito laban sa mapanganib na paputok,” said DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos, referring to the at least 1,210 local government units that have passed ordinances against the use of harmful firecrackers.
[Translation: Let’s make sure that these ordinances are being implemented…Let’s be strict in implementing these ordinances against dangerous fireworks.]
According to the Philippine National Police, the prohibited firecrackers include varieties such as Five Star, Pla-Pla, Piccolo, Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye Bading, Giant Bawang, Watusi, Atomic Triangle, Judas Belt, Super Yolanda, Super Lolo, and Coke-in-Can.
READ: Call to ban firecrackers raised anew
Speaking to CNN Philippines’ The Final Word on Wednesday, Quezon City Public Order and Safety Department head Elmo San Diego said they have been implementing a firecracker ban since 2019.
“We are actually very aggressive in strictly implementing a total ban on use and display of firecrackers in the city,” San Diego said.
He said city residents face a six-month jail term and a fine of ₱5,000 for violating the ordinance.
Officials of the city’s 142 barangays in QC were also advised to establish their respective fireworks display areas, he added.
The Department of Health has logged a total of 75 firecracker-related injuries over the last six days.
