Have fun this New Year but make it legal — Malacañang

Dagupan City folk light firecrackers to celebrate the transition from 2016 to 2017 in merry-making activities often marred by injuries caused by illegal firecrackers.WILLIE LOMIBAO

As the New Year nears, Malacañang reminded the public to only use firecrackers allowed under the law.

In a statement on Thursday, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said “firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices which contain gunpowder exceeding two grams or 1.3 teaspoons, or those using sulfur and/or phosphorus mixed with chlorates are strictly prohibited to be sold, manufactured, distributed and used.”

Medialdea enumerated the firecrackers allowed under Republic Act No. 7183. These are the baby rocket, bawang, small triangulo, pulling of strings, paper caps, El diablo, watusi, Judah’s belt, sky rocket (kwitis), and other types that contain no more than two grams of powder.

The following pyrotechnic devices may also be used: sparklers, luces, fountain, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, butterfly, and all other kinds of pyrotechnic devices.

Sparklers may be used within residential premises, Medialdea said.

“As the celebration of the New Year nears, we reiterate our appeal to all Filipinos to abide by these regulations,” Medialdea said.

“Let us all have a safe New Year celebration,” he added.

The Executive Secretary emphasized that Executive Order (EO) No. 28 limits the use of allowable firecrackers to “community fireworks display,” or those held in a venue other than the place of residence, and under the supervision of a trained person licensed by the Philippine National Police, and allowed by the municipality or city through a permit which specifies the date, time, and specific area in which it will be conducted. /cbb