Over 1,300 NCRPO cops to go after illegal ‘cracker users on New Year’s Eve

(FILE) Parañaque police visit streets to heighten public awareness on the dangers of using firecrackers. /Southern Police District

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be deploying 1,369 police officers to enforce rules on the use of firecrackers during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The police officers will also be on the lookout for people who will be indiscriminately firing guns to greet the new year.

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo on Wednesday said the police officers will enforce Executive Order No. 28 and Republic Act No. 7183. These are the two decrees signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte to regulate the use of firecrackers.

Estomo said the deployed officers will check on areas of convergence including the designated firecracker zones.

“Taun-taon pong pinapaalala ng kapulisan sa ating mga kababayan ang pag-iingat at pagsunod sa mga batas sa pagpapaputok at pagpapailaw,” Estomo said in a statement.

“Lagi po nating tatandaan na pinakamasaya parin ang pagsalubong sa parating na bagong taon kung ligtas at maayos ang kalagayan ng ating sarili, mga mahal sa buhay at mga taong nakapaligid sa atin,” he added.

Duterte in 2017 signed the executive orders to limit the number of firecracker-related injuries, by setting up community fireworks displays in areas where risks are minimal.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is one of the key agencies tasked to implement the order and is also the one that classifies which firecrackers are safe for use and what are banned.

READ: Duterte orders regulated, controlled use of firecrackers

READ: Duterte mulls issuing EO for total firecracker ban 

Estomo also ordered NCRPO personnel and gun owners not to fire their guns during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“In consonance with the guidance of the Chief PNP, P/Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., NCRPO will crackdown on illegal firecrackers that are harmful to the people, NCRPO will coordinate with the local barangays and village peacekeepers to ensure proper enforcement of the order and apprehension of violators,” he said.

“Nananawagan at nakikiusap rin po kami sa mga may-ari ng mga baril na maging responsable at huwag magpaputok ng inyong mga baril sa pagsalubong ng taong 2023,” he added.

(I am calling on the owners of guns to be responsible users and refrain from discharging their firearms in welcoming the year 2023.)

Firecracker-related injuries have increased in 2022.

The Department of Health has already recorded 32 firecracker and fireworks-related injuries, compared to just 23 injuries recorded during the same period in 2021.

READ: DOH logs 7 new fireworks-related injuries 

READ: Marcos tells LGUs to set up common areas for fireworks display