City of Manila issues tighter rules on firecrackers, fireworks display

 (AP)

MANILA, Philippines — No more private fireworks displays for Manileños.

An Executive Order (EO) issued by the City of Manila officially prohibited private residences in the city from organizing their own fireworks displays to welcome 2024.

Based on EO No. 36 Series of 2023, all fireworks displays must be limited to those held in designated areas and with valid permits obtained from the LGU.

“The use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices shall be confined only to community fireworks displays with a valid permit secured from the Bureau of Permits in the City of Manila,” the EO read.

The order, signed by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuña on December 28, said that those seeking to stage such displays must apply for a special permit three days prior to the event.

Persons granted permits must ensure the presence of a fire truck and security guards at the event. They are likewise obliged to appropriately dispose of debris from the fireworks display.

According to the EO, the regulations were imposed to “minimize, if not eliminate, the number of firecracker-related injuries and casualties, especially during the holiday season.”

In addition to restricting areas for the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, EO No. 36 also enforced a strict prohibition on the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers identified by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as posing dangers to “life and limb.”

Only the following firecrackers / pyrotechnics are allowed for community fireworks displays in Manila:

Firecrackers

• Baby rocket
• Bawang
• Small triangulo
• Pulling of strings
• Paper caps
• El diablo
• Judah’s belt
• Sky rocket (Kwitis)

Pyrotechnics

• Sparklers
• Luces
• Fountain
• Jumbo regular and special
• Mabuhay
• Roman candle
• Trompillo
• Airwolf
• Whistle Device
• Butterfly
• All kinds of pyrotechnic devices (pailaw)

Violators will be  fined at least P20,000 but not more than P30,000 or imprisoned for at least six months but not more than one year or both at the discretion of the court.

This, in addition to the cancellation of licences and business permits of merchants who will sell prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Other LGUs in Metro Manila, including Caloocan and Taguig, have also designated areas for fireworks displays 

On Thursday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority urged LGUs to designate such areas for common fireworks displays to reduce injuries and casualties brought by unregulated use of pyrotechnic devices.

Meanwhile, based on latest data from the Department of Health, 107 individuals have so far sustained fireworks-related injuries,  one day ahead of New Year’s Eve.