THE Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) has announced plans to file a case against a violator of Davao City’s “Firecracker and Other Pyrotechnic Devices Ordinance” during the recent New Year’s celebration.
Angel Sumagaysay, PSSO head, revealed in a media interview on Monday, January 6, 2024, at City Hall Drive, that the office will take legal action against the identified violator, a businessman known as “Botyok” from Surigao del Norte.
Botyok reportedly set off fireworks in NHA Bangkal to welcome the New Year. Sumagaysay also stated that further investigation is ongoing to ensure the proper charges are filed.
“Kadugay na panahon na nga gina-practice and known nata dili ta pwede ana ngano ngapatuga-tuga man na siya ug pabuto (We’ve long upheld this no-fireworks policy, and we are known for it. Why would he dare to violate it),” he said.
Davao City has strictly implemented its “Firecracker and Other Pyrotechnic Devices Ordinance” since its enactment in 2001. The ordinance was further strengthened in 2017 under then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
Sumagaysay stressed that public awareness of the ordinance is crucial to prevent violations. He urged the 20th City Council to consider increasing penalties for violators to ensure stricter compliance.
“For Dabawenyos to truly embody the city’s tagline, ‘Dabawenyo DCplinado,’ adherence to ordinances, even those with smaller penalties, is necessary,” he said.
Police Captain Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson for the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said that they are preparing to file a case with the Office of the City Prosecutor against the violator. In addition to the ordinance violation, they are considering charges under Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Tuazon stated that the DCPO is coordinating with the police in Surigao del Norte to locate the violator’s residence. She also reminded both residents and visitors to respect the city’s laws.
“Atoang gihangyo nga irespeto atoang balaod dinhi sa siyudad sa Davao kay diri ta nagpuyo irespeto nato, makaingon ta nga maulaw pod ta kay naa ta diri sa siyudad sa Davao, dapat irespeto nato (We urge everyone to respect the laws here in Davao City. This is our home, and we should respect it, or at least feel ashamed if we don’t),” she said.
Aside from the incident in NHA Bangkal, Tuazon mentioned reports of similar violations in Rolling Hills.
Investigations into these cases are also ongoing. RGP