Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano reiterated his administration’s strict ban on the use and sale of firecrackers within the City, stressing that existing restrictions remain firmly in place despite ongoing attempts by some residents to set off pyrotechnics during the holiday season.
Ouano said areas such as the North Reclamation Area, where firecracker vendors and customers usually congregate, are not officially designated for firecracker sales or use, and such activities continue only “because people still engage in the practice,” even though the City has not allowed it.
Violators are being reminded that enforcement authorities will take action if they are caught lighting firecrackers or violating safety rules, the mayor added.
“If they want to buy, maybe they should go to places like Cebu City’s South Road Properties where some regulated sales are permitted,” Ouano said.
“Here in Mandaue, it is still banned,” he stressed.
Ouano has directed law enforcement authorities to strictly enforce the city’s ban on firecrackers, warning that anyone caught selling such items will be immediately stopped and reprimanded.
Mandaue City’s stance is guided by existing national law (Republic Act 7183) regulating the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics.
Under RA 7183, anyone who violates nationwide firecracker laws including selling or using illegal firecrackers outside permitted areas may face a fine ranging from P20,000 up to P30,000 and imprisonment from six months up to one year.
Ouano also addressed the idea of establishing designated firecracker zones, saying that while a special area could theoretically be set aside, “realistically, even in a firecracker area, they will not necessarily set them off there.”
He underscored that those who choose to use firecrackers do so at their own risk and could face consequences if caught by authorities.
The city government’s approach aligns with broader safety measures being implemented in the lead-up to major holiday events.
City officials are urging the public to comply with existing laws and safety protocols to avoid injuries and other hazards associated with fireworks and firecrackers. / ABC