THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is in favor of a total ban on firecrackers to ensure public safety especially during the Christmas season.
PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac said, however, that the ban would not include pyrotechnics, which are less harmful to people.
In 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 28 to limit and control the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
Duterte has ordered the designation of firecracker zones as well as the creation of a list of illegal firecrackers in order to stop and control its manufacture, sale, distribution and use.
Duterte first implemented a total ban on firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices when he served as mayor of Davao City.
Davao City residents use non-harmful items to make noise particularly on New Year’s Eve.
“Kung sakali man na magkaroon ng total firecracker ban nationwide ang lahat po ng mga suppliers, manufacturers ay kinakailangang tumigil sa kanilang pagnenegosyo at ang mga ito ay manatili lamang sa kanilang mga inventory at warehouse at hindi na maaaring ibenta,” said Banac.
“Magsasagawa muli ang PNP ng Oplan Galugad para sa mga firecrackers na illegal na ibinibenta sa mga bangketa at mga tindahan na walang mga permiso at ang mga ito ay subject for confiscation at maaaring makasuhan din ang mga nagbebenta nito at maaari ding maipasara ang kanilang tindahan sa paglabag sa mga umiiral na batas at yung business permit nila ay maaaring makansela,” he added.
Banac said for now, the PNP is coordinating with the local government units in identifying the possible firecracker zones as well the identification of illegal firecrackers for the upcoming New Year’s Eve. (SunStar Philippines)