AMID the Covid-19 pandemic, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Cordillera will start the strict monitoring of the entry of illegal firecrackers.
In the weekly Kapihan as Baguio, PRO-Cordillera Operations Management Division assistant chief Lieutenant Colonel Sibly Dawiguey Jr. said the region is set to undertake appropriate safety and security measures and implement existing laws in accordance with Republic Act 7183 or the Act regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
"This measure will prevent or minimize deaths and injuries caused by the unsafe handling of firecrackers and pyrotechnics entering the Cordillera," Dawiguey said.
Dawiguey added that aside from the strict measures against illegal firecrackers and discharge of firearms, PRO-Cordillera will assist the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the different local government units in the designation and establishment of firecracker and pyrotechnic zones in the region.
Special operations teams will also be established by PRO-Cordillera in the different provinces, including the cities of Baguio and Tabuk.
"It is highly possible that there may be a decrease in the number of cases related to firecracker injuries due to the prevailing health protocols but as early as now, we will be conducting strict inspections in our borders not only with regard to the health protocols on Covid-19 but to refrain the entry of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in our region," Dawiguey said.
From December 2019 to January 5, 2020, the Department of Health in the region recorded 22 fireworks related injuries.
PRO-Cordillera also urged citizens to cooperate with the police by reporting any incident of indiscriminate firing or use of prohibited firecrackers particularly during this Yuletide season.
"The leadership of PRO-COR reminded all police commanders of the operational guidelines and procedures to be undertaken in maintaining order, law enforcement, and in providing public safety services during the Yuletide season even under this pandemic situation," Dawiguey added.
Dawiguey said the PRO-Cordillera will continue to man borders against individuals without sufficient documents pertaining to health protocols on Covid-19.