A Gentle Reminder: List of All the Prohibited Firecrackers in the Philippines
Back in June 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) No. 28 which prohibits individuals from using firecrackers or setting up their own fireworks displays, especially during the New Year's Eve celebration. This is to prevent firecracker-related injuries and deaths.
So, just in case you're still planning to sell or buy and use firecrackers this coming New Year's Eve, here's a consolidated list of firecrackers whose manufacture, sale, and use are strictly prohibited. It's based on separate lists issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) back in 2018.
PROHIBITED FIRECRACKERS:
- Piccolo/ scratch bangers
- Pop pop
- Goodbye Philippines/ Crying Bading
- Yolanda/Goodbye Napoles
- Watusi/ dancing firecrackers
- Pla-pla
- Giant Kuwitis
- Super Lolo
- Atomic Big Trianggulo/ Atomic Triangle
- Mother Rocket
- Lolo Thunder
- Pillbox
- Boga
- Big Judah's Belt
- Big Bawang
- Kwiton
- Bin Laden
- Kabasi
- Atomic Bomb
- Five Star
- Og
- Giant Whistle Bombs
- Bosa
- Coke in Can
- Five Star
Keep in mind that all firecrackers with gunpowder in excess of two grams or 1.3 teaspoons are also not allowed.
According to Republic Act 7183, any person who manufactures sells, distributes, or uses firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in violation of the provisions of this Act shall be fined from P20,000 to P30,000, or imprisoned between six months to one year, or (suffer) both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court in addition to the cancellation of his license and business permit and the confiscation by the Government of his inventory or stock.
So, it's best that you refer to this list when you go shopping for firecrackers. Or better yet, skip using firecrackers altogether and think of other creative, fun, and safe ways to celebrate New Year's Eve with your loved ones.