New Year revelries rules, regulations, safety tips and hotlines

 (AP file photo)

MANILA, Philippines –  To make the festivities ushering in the New Year safer for everyone, the government has imposed rules, regulations and issued safety reminders to the public.

Banned fireworks/pyrotechnic devices

Earlier this month, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms and Explosives Office released a list of firecrackers that are deemed unsafe for the general public.

According to the PNP, the manufacture, use, sale, and distribution of the following firecrackers is strictly prohibited:

• Piccolo
• Watusi
• Giant Whistle Bomb
• Giant Bawang
• Large Judah’s Belt
• Super Lolo or Thunder Lolo
• Atomic Bomb
• Atomic Big Triangulo
• Pillbox, Boga
• Kwiton
• Goodbye Earth
• Goodbye Bading
• Goodbye De Lima
• Goodbye Napoles
• Goodbye Philippines
• Coke-In-Can
• other unlabeled and imported firecrackers

Overweight firecrackers with more than 0.2 grams or 1/3 teaspoon of explosives are also banned.

Also prohibited are firecrackers with a short fuse or those that detonate in less than three seconds.

Meanwhile, pyrotechnic devices or “pailaw” such as butterfly, fountain, luces, Roman candle, sparkles, trompillo, and similar items are permitted, given they adhere to safety protocols.

According to Republic Act 7183, violators will be fined not less than P20,000 nor more than P30,000.

Fireworks safety

Along with logging the number of fireworks-related injuries, the Department of Health (DOH) has also issued safety reminders to the public as 2024 rolls in.

Here are some of DOH’s safety tips based on their previous advisories:

• Parents must prevent children from accessing and using fireworks
• Only buy and use legal fireworks 
• Only use fireworks in designated zones 
• Only use firecrackers while at a safe distance
• Ensure pets’ safety amid loud noises
• Use ear protection

 Despite issuing some guidelines on the use of firecrackers, however, the DOH said that it is better to refrain from using them entirely, urging the public to use alternative and safer noise-making devices and instruments.

Stick to designated fireworks display zones

To further ensure the safe welcoming of 2024, some cities in Metro Manila have prohibited the use of firecrackers outside of designated common fireworks display zones.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuña issued stricter rules on fireworks displays in Manila and banned private residences from staging their own fireworks displays.

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

Parañaque City has likewise designated 15 firecracker zones in 16 of its barangays.

Pasig City has designated firecracker zones in 27 barangays.

Emergency contact numbers

The following are the contact numbers of DOH’s trauma centers in Metro Manila:

• Philippine Orthopedic Hospital (712-4601; 711-4276)
• East Avenue Medical Center (426-4405; 929-2031)
• Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center (873-0556 local 111)
• UP Philippine General Hospital (521-8450; 523-7123; 525-2584)

More of DOH’s contact numbers may be accessed through this link.

• Philippine National Police (emergency hotline: 117; 0917-847-5757)
• Bureau of Fire Protection ((02) 8426-0219 (02) 8426-0246)
• Metro Manila Development Authority (emergency hotline: 136; 0939-922-7161)