DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has reminded residents to follow the city’s Firecracker Ban as the holiday season approaches.
In his Basta Dabawenyo podcast on December 15, 2024, Duterte warned that violators of City Ordinance 060-02 could face fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
“Ang importante mutuman mo’g balaod kay og madakpan mo, makabayad mo unya mapriso mo (The important thing is to follow the law because if you get caught, you’ll face a penalty and possible imprisonment)," he said.
Duterte encouraged Dabawenyos to enjoy the holidays responsibly, saying, "Tuman lang ta’g balaod para man ni sa atoang kaayuhan, para man ni sa atoang tanan (Let's follow the law because this is for our own good, for all of us)."
“Naa ma’y mga lai’ng lingaw nga mu-celebrate ka og pasko ug New Year (There are still other ways to celebrate and have fun without violating the law)," he added.
City Ordinance 060-02 prohibits the possession, use, sale, manufacture, and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in Davao City. Violators face fines and imprisonment: first-time offenders face a P1,000 fine or 20-30 days in jail; second-time offenders face a P3,000 fine or one to three months in jail; and third-time offenders face a P5,000 fine or three to six months in jail. These penalties also apply to improvised pyrotechnics that could cause fires.
The Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) is working to keep Davao City free from firecracker-related injuries and property damage. Security personnel will monitor hospitals during the holidays to track any firecracker injuries or gunshot wounds from stray bullets.
Additional surveillance will be in place at every hospital on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1. DEF