As New Year’s Eve nears, PNP to crack down on illegal firecrackers, fireworks

(FILE) Policemen in Cavite province douse a pile of banned firecrackers with water to render them useless. —PHOTO COURTESY OF CAVITE PNP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Tuesday that it will conduct crackdowns on illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics in accordance with its regulations, leading up to the New Year’s celebration.

“Yes, we are ready. We have reminded all police units of the policies we are following to monitor the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics devices in their areas of responsibility. We advocate a safe New Year’s celebration,” said PNP Chief General Dionardo Carlos in a statement.

“The list of those allowed and prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnics is widely disseminated to the public already. We hope that the manufacturers, retailers, and the general public will abide,” he added.

This came after the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterated the strict adherence to Executive Order 28 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, regulating the manufacturing, selling, and using of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices during the holiday celebrations.

According to the PNP, firecracker-related injuries have been prevented in many areas in the country after some Local Chief Executives ordered a total firecracker ban, especially in typhoon-stricken areas.

“For the New Year, there are still LGUs (local government units) which will implement the same. This will be a great boost to our campaign. But knowing that [the] majority of the LGUs will only resort to regulating firecrackers means inspections must be done,” Carlos said.

He then noted that the PNP will coordinate with local fire departments and local disaster and risk reduction offices to make sure that these products are only sold in firecracker safety zones.

Meanwhile, vendors must make sure that their products are properly packaged and labeled. They must also secure an ample water supply in their stalls or places of selling.

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