THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 20 firecracker-related incidents since the start of Simbang Gabi Masses on December 16.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Oscar Albayalde said most of these incidents were caused by piccolo and watusi, both prohibited.
Executive Order 28, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last June, limits the use of firecrackers to community fireworks display zone, under the supervision of a person licensed by the PNP.
Albayalde reminded the public that only pyrotechnic devices, such as luces and fountains, are allowed to be lit at home and in the community firecracker zones.
The NCRPO chief said the prohibited firecrackers are those that exceed two grams or 1.3 teaspoons of explosive content.
Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, penalizes those found selling prohibited firecrackers with a fine of P20,000 to P30,000, prison term of six months to one year or both.
Albayalde said authorities recently arrested two vendors for selling 53 boxes of illegal firecrackers in Divisoria.(Keith Calayag / SunStar Philippines)