(INQUIRER file photo / JESUS ORBETA)
MANILA, Philippines – Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. on Friday appealed to local government units (LGUs) nationwide to implement a total ban on firecrackers.
“Akoy nananawagan sa lahat ng LGU na sana magpasa tayo ng total ban on firecrackers. I think Davao is the first one, ang Quezon City ay nagpasa na rin. Okay lang ang pyrotechnics, yung mga ilaw ilaw,” said Abalos in a press conference on Friday.
(I am calling on all LGUs to impose a total ban on firecrackers. I think Davao is the first one, Quezon City did the same. Pyrotechnics are okay.)
Abalos said LGUs may designate public places where people can safely view fireworks displays.
“Ganoon na lang siguro ang gawin natin. Kaya ako’y nananawagan sa mga LGUs – if it’s possible, I’ll be giving them templates ng ban on firecrackers through ordinance,” said Abalos.
(Maybe that’s what we should do. That’s why I’m calling on all LGUs — if it’s possible, I’ll be giving them templates on a ban on firecrackers through an ordinance.)
Abalos said the Bureau of Fire Protection is on alert, noting the high risk of fire amid holiday season due to firecrackers.