Palace asks Christmas revelers: Avoid buying illegal, dangerous fireworks

A Palace spokesperson cautioned Filipinos not to buy illegal and dangerous fireworks as the Christmas and New Year celebrations draw near.

Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said that Filipinos should stay away from illegal fireworks to have a safe holiday season.

“Nanawagan ang pamahalaan sa mga mamamayan na umiwas sa pagbili o paggamit ng mga mapanganib at ipinagbabawal na paputok para sa ligtas na pagdiriwang ng darating na Pasko at Bagong Taon,” Coloma said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

(The government is urging Filipinos to avoid buying or using dangerous and illegal fireworks so that they will have a safe celebration of Christmas and the New Year.)

Coloma said that the Department of Health (DOH) is coordinating with local governments to ensure the implementation of the government’s campaign against contraband fireworks.

Last Monday, the DOH activated its anti-firecracker campaign with the theme ““Sa Ingay Walang Sablay, sa Paputok Goodbye Kamay.” The health department urged Filipinos to use alternative ways of celebrating the holidays.

“For this year, instead of firecrackers, the public is encouraged to use safe merry-making instruments and alternative noise-makers such as ‘torotot’, car horns, or by playing loud music. Also, the local government units (LGUs) are urged to foster community firework display,” Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin said in a statement.

The health department also urged lawmakers to pass a law prohibiting the selling of the “piccolo” firecracker as it caused 32 percent of total firework-related injuries last year.