MANILA, Philippines – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday directed the local government units (LGU), as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to sustain the implementation of regulations on the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
This is to achieve the target of zero firecracker-related injuries during this holiday season.
“Ituloy-tuloy
lang natin ang pagmomonitor at pagpapatupad ng mga batas tungkol sa mga
paputok. Ang gusto lang naman natin ay walang mapahamak at maging ligtas at
payapa ang pagdiriwang ng Pasko at Bagong Taon,” DILG Secretary Eduardo Año
said in a statement.
Año also reminded LGUs that its mandate includes protecting constituents,
promoting general welfare, and ensuring that ordinances on the use of fireworks
are strictly implemented.
“Ang paglilingkod-bayan ay walang bakasyon, kaya naman kailangang tiyakin ng mga pamahalaang lokal na bagama’t nagsasaya ang lahat ay mahigpit pa ring maipatutupad ang batas kagaya ng pagbabawal sa pagpapaputok,” he said.
The DILG has issued
Memorandum Circular 2017-105, implementing EO 28 which enjoins the LGUs, the
PNP, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to take necessary actions on the
regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices
nationwide.
Under its provisions, the PNP is also tasked to beef up its force to provide
security in identified firecrackers and pyrotechnic zones and
firecracker/pyrotechnic displays in respective areas in coordination with
appropriate agencies.
Police units are
also expected to inspect the manufacturing complex, warehouse, and processing
area of manufacturers and dealers in their respective areas of responsibility
to ensure the observance of safety guidelines.
“The PNP is authorized to immediately confiscate illegal firecrackers and make
arrests when necessary so the industry is advised to just follow the law,” says
Malaya.
Among the prohibited fireworks are: Piccolo, Watusi, Giant Whistle Bomb, Giant
Bawang, Large Judas Belt, Super Lolo, Lolo Thunder, Atomic Bomb, Atomic Bomb
Triangulo, Pillbox, Boga, Kwiton, Goodbye Earth, Goodbye Bading, Hello
Columbia, and Goodbye Philippines.
Malaya said that in accordance with EO 28, the PNP and the BFP have been conducting
inspections to ensure that illegal firecrackers are completely taken off the
market.
Citing data provided by the PNP, the DILG said only 307 firecracker-related incidents nationwide were recorded in January 2019.
This is 67% lower
than the 929 incidents recorded in 2016. In 2018, there were 449 incidents
while in 2017, there were 652.
“There has been a steady decline for the past three years and we can
sustain that trend if we remain persistent with our efforts to implement laws
and regulations on the use of firecrackers such as Republic Act 7183 and
Executive Order (EO) No. 28,” DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in
the same statement.
Año said the decrease in the number of firework-related injuries in the last
three years attests that Filipinos can still celebrate the holidays without
compromising tradition.
He also noted the growing number of Filipino families who are now using
“pailaw,” blowing horns or torotot and other noise-making
alternatives to celebrate the holidays.
The DILG has also directed the BFP to intensify its Oplan Paalala/Iwas Paputok Campaign with the battlecry “Sa Halip na Paputok, Pito!” which encourages the public to use the whistle during the New Year revelry instead of firecrackers.
It also urged the BFP to be strict in issuing fire safety clearance for fireworks display and exhibition to ensure that there will be no untoward incidents during such exhibitions.
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