Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 30) — Welcoming the new year won’t be the same for Filipinos fond of firecrackers and fireworks.
This, as the government limits the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices on orders of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Firecrackers can only be lit in areas designated by the police and local government units. Fireworks displays are also limited.
In Metro Manila, there are no designated firecracker zones in the cities of Pasig, Marikina, San Juan, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Pateros.
Residents in these areas can still enjoy sparklers or “pailaw” such as luces, since these are allowed anywhere in the country.
Those in Marikina can go to the Marikina Sports Complex and River Banks Center to watch a fireworks display. Other areas where community fireworks displays can be held include Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan, Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque, and Vivere Hotel Resorts in Muntinlupa.
Here’s the Metro Manila police’s list of areas where the public can use firecrackers and fireworks.
The Department of Interior and Local Government, however, reminded the public that even in these areas, only the following firecrackers and pyrotechnics can be lit up: Baby rocket, bawang, small triangle, pulling of strings, paper caps, el diablo, and sky rocket (kwitis), sparklers, luces, fountains, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle device, and butterfly.
Firecrackers with gunpowder exceeding two grams or 1.3 teaspoons are all banned.
