NCR recommends firecracker ban this Christmas season

The Regional Peace and Order Council of the National Capital Region (NCR) has issued a resolution recommending banning the use of firecrackers in Metro Manila during this year’s holiday season.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Sunday, Health Promotion and Media Relations Unit head of Department of Health – NCR Dr. Laila Celino said the resolution was issued Thursday.

“Ang Resolution No. 19-2020 or Resolution Recommending the Banning the Use of Firecrackers in the NCR, ito ang resolusyon na binaban  ang pagpapaputok. Pinasa po ‘yan ito lang linggong ito,” she said.

The council is composed of mayors in Metro Manila and different government agencies.

According to Celino, the resolution was created in light of the increase of firecracker-related incidents during the holiday season in 2019 and the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Tandaan din po kasi natin kapag magpapaputok sila, so lalabas sila. Kapag lumabas po ang mga tao sa kalsada, puwede pong magkaroon ng mga mass gathering,” she said

“Naku, general community quarantine (GCQ) po ang Metro Manila. Ipinagbabawal pa rin po ang mass gathering,” she added.

Local government units are expected to adopt the resolution through ordinances, according to Celino.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed Metro Manila under GCQ until December 31 to control the spread of COVID-19 during the holidays.

The OCTA Research has been warning of a surge in COVID-19 cases as the number of infections has been rising in Metro Manila. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News