Firecracker belt (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
The Mandaluyong City government scratched the designate firecracker zones in the city as it banned the use of such noisemakers during New Year’s Eve festivities.
In an advisory, Mayor Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos and 27 village chairmen decided to remove the safe zones in the whole city to discourage residents from using firecrackers as they welcome 2018.
Mandaluyong City totally bans the use of firecrackers. pic.twitter.com/LdWjDpEYo7
— Mandaluyong CDRRMO (@MandaluyongDRRM) December 30, 2017
Firecracker zones in Mandaluyong were earlier designated by the Philippine National Police (PNP), but these were rejected by Abalos and the barangay chairmen in a meeting with police and fire officials.
“The city government will deploy the full force of the police, BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection), emergency medical teams, barangay tanods and volunteers regarding the full implementation of the no-firecracker zones in Mandaluyong,” the Mandaluyong Public Information Office (PIO) said.
“Instead of setting firecrackers, New Year revelers are allowed to use ‘lusis’ and other similar fireworks allowed by law within the vicinity of their homes,” it said.
The local government also warned that persons caught using firecrackers would be arrested for violation of City Ordinance No 673, series 2017, or “An Ordinance Regulating the Sale, Possession, Use, Disposal and Distribution of Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices in the City of Mandaluyong and Providing for Violators Thereof.”
The Mandaluyong local government also encouraged residents to report persons who would use firecrackers and firearms during the festivities.
“The prevention of the use of firecrackers aims to reduce, if not eradicate, the number of victims of firecracker-related injuries,” it said. /cbb