Davao City exec renews warning against firecrackers for New Year

DAVAO CITY – Vice mayor Rodrigo Duterte renewed the warning against traders and anyone caught violating the firecrackers’ ban in the city, saying they will spend their New Year in jail.

Duterte said even if they were only in Davao in transit to other places, they would be apprehended once caught in possession of the banned items.

“Once you are in possession of the banned items, even if you’re only in transit through Davao City, you’re already liable under the law,” the vice mayor said over the Gikan sa masa, para sa masa Sunday television program.

“Some people were complaining that they could no longer sell firecrackers because they had to pass through Davao, I told them, I can’t help you,” he said.

Davao City is on its 10th year ban on firecrackers, noted to be one of the leading causes of death and injuries during Christmas and New Year’s celebration, which prompted the Davao City Council to pass and approve an ordinance effectively banning firecrackers.

The ordinance, passed in 2001, was the first in the country, although there were continuing reports of violations.