QC gov’t limits fireworks use to 180 zones across the city

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday urged the public to only use fireworks in the 180 zones the local government had designated for this activity.

“We hope everyone will cooperate with the city government in promoting safe and responsible celebrations during the holidays,” Belmonte said in a press release.

She also advised her constituents who wanted to use firecrackers during the New Year to do so with caution.

According to the Quezon City government, firecracker zones were created in the jurisdictions of all 12 police stations (PS) under the Quezon City Police District’s (QCPD) area of responsibility.

Each zone would be manned by a team of barangay officials, Barangay Security and Development Officers (BSDO), and volunteers.

The firecracker zones were in:

• La Loma, PS1
• Masambong, PS2
• Talipapa, PS3
• Novaliches, PS4
• Fairview, PS5
• Batasan, PS6
• Cubao, PS7
• Project 4, PS8
• Anonas, PS9
• Kamuning, PS10
• Galas, PS11
• Eastwood, PS12

QCPD’s Police Major Alexander Barredo warned that those who would use fireworks outside the designated zones would be in violation of Ordinance No. 2618, s.2017. Violators would be fined P5,000 and could be imprisoned for a year.

Barredo also emphasized that the use of illegal firecrackers was strictly prohibited.

Meanwhile, community fireworks displays would be held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, La Loma Area (Calavite corner A. Bonifacio Ave., Barangay Paang Bundok), Novaliches Area (SB Plaza, Barangay Novaliches Proper), and Eastwood Mall Open Park.

“We recognize that fireworks can be a fun way to celebrate but we want to make it safe at the same time. We invite the public to safely enjoy these professional fireworks display in QC,” said Belmonte. — Joviland Rita/DVM, GMA News