WITH the strict implementation of Executive Order 28, only fruits and plastic hornpipes are being sold at the Pasig City public market in Metro Manila.
Firecrackers, the use of which is regulated by government, are nowhere to be seen.
EO 28, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in June 2017, prohibits the use of firecrackers outside designated areas to prevent injuries during the New Year’s eve revelry.
The presidential directive tasks the Philippine National Police to conduct inspections, confiscate and destroy prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
As of 6 a.m. Sunday, December 31, the Department of Health reported 86 firecracker-related injuries.
Most of these were caused by Piccolo, a prohibited firecracker.
Under EO 28, only community fireworks are allowed, provided this is conducted "on the occasion or as part of a celebration, competition, or similar event held in a venue other than a place of residence” and “under the supervision of a trained person duly licensed by the PNP.”
Pyrotechnic devices other than firecrackers, on the other hand, “may be used outside community fireworks subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.” (SunStar Philippines)