TWENTY-FOUR local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon have banned the use of firecrackers during New Year, the Police Regional Office (PRO) reported.
Based on the report, five cities and several municipalities passed local ordinances that prohibit the use of dangerous firecrackers.
These include Dinalungan town in Aurora; Hermosa, Limay, Samal and Pilar towns in Bataan; the municipality of Meycauayan in Bulacan; and Guagua town and Angeles City in Pampanga.
Likewise, use of firecrackers in Tarlac's Anao, Bamban, Camiling, Capas, Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Mayantoc, Moncada, Paniqui, Pura, San Clemente, Sta. Ignacia town and Tarlac City; and San Marcelino town and Olongapo City in Zambales is banned.
Meanwhile, other LGUs in the region have identified firecracker zones in their area where residents can light up loud fireworks.
A total of 265 firecracker zones, in which 12 come from Aurora province, 18 in Bataan, 78 in Bulacan, 32 in Nueva Ecija, 40 in Pampanga, 29 in Tarlac, and 56 in Zambales, were identified across the region.
PRO-Central Luzon Director Brigadier General Valeriano De Leon urged the public to observe all safety measures implemented during the holidays to avoid untoward incidents.
"We once again appeal to the public to refrain from using illegal firecrackers to avoid any injuries. Instead of firecrackers, we could all welcome the New Year with other forms of merriment," he said.