MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Quezon City has regulated the manufacture, sale, and use of firecrackers in the city, allowing firework displays only approved by the city itself.
According to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte in a statement, this was to further minimize the number of firecracker injuries, especially during the New Year revelry.
“We want to minimize, if not totally eliminate, the number of firecracker-related injuries and casualties. We also want to protect homes, commercial buildings, and other structures against incidental fires and to lessen the harmful effects of hazardous chemicals and pollutants,” she pointed out.
In her order, Belmonte declared that permission or authorization by the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) shall first be required before allowing a fireworks display in a public area.
“Private households are hereby prohibited from using firecrackers and staging their own fireworks display,” she said.
Apart from these, Belmonte also limited the sale of permissible firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices to only within shopping malls that have managed to get a clearance from the DPOS and a special permit from the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD), in accordance with Ordinance No. SP-2618, S-2017.
The manufacture, use, sale, and distribution of other types of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices that could endanger the life and limb of the public are also prohibited.
Belmonte then also ordered the Barangay and Community Relations Department (BCRD) to immediately disseminate the guidelines to all 142 barangays, while officials are ordered to provide the necessary assistance to law enforcement agencies and report to the police any violation.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD), for its part, is mandated to strictly implement the guidelines and other laws and regulations related to regulation and firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Belmonte has previously assured the public that the Quezon Memorial Circle and select malls such as Eastwood, SM, and Robinsons will be having their own fireworks display in different venues for the public to enjoy.
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