Quezon City, Caloocan implement firecracker ban

Days before New Year’s Eve, the local governments of Quezon City and Caloocan on Tuesday announced they will be implementing the ban on the use of all firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices during festivities.

Under Ordinance No. SP 2618, S-2017, the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in all public places in Quezon City during festivities is prohibited unless there is a clearance from the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS).

“The strict implementation of the Firecracker Ordinance, will, aside from reducing firecracker injuries, discourage gatherings for fireworks display and aid in compliance with COVID-19 health protocols,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement.

“The reduction in firecracker injuries will also ease the burden on medical resources, which are already overstrained by the ongoing pandemic,” she added.

Public places include streets, roads, alleys, thoroughfares, open spaces, plazas, parks, and basketball courts among others.

Belmonte issued the order in support of the Metro Manila Council MMDA Resolution No. 20-17, which stressed that the use of firecrackers may attract mass gatherings without observance of safety protocols

The mayor has also directed the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the DPOS, and others to implement the ordinance.

Meanwhile, barangay captains have also been directed to enforce the ban within their jurisdictions with assistance from the QCPD and the DPOS.

Violators may be fined P5,000 or one-year imprisonment, or both at the discretion of the court.

According to the LGU, only the virtual firework displays at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Eastwood City, and Araneta City have been approved by the DPOS.

"Hopefully, we can still ring in the New Year with a fireworks display because this has already been our longstanding tradition,” DPOS head General Elmo San Diego said.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City council also passed an ordinance prohibiting the selling, giving, and sharing of any type of firecracker to minor children.

Firecrackers such as the Baby Rocket, Bawang, Small Triangulo, Pulling of Strings, Paper Caps, El Diablo, Judah’s Belt, Rocket, and other equivalent firecrackers are covered under the ordinance.

Those found violating the ordinance may be fined P5,000 or imprisoned for one year, or both at the discretion of the court.

Firecracker ban in Caloocan

Similarly, Caloocan Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan cited the resolution released by the Metro Manila Council.

"Sa pagsalubong natin sa bagong taon, unahin nating isipin ang kaligtasan ng ating pamilya at sarili. Sa pagbabawal ng pagpapaputok, matitiyak natin na maiiwasan ang firework-related injuries at mapipigilan din ang pagkakaroon ng hawahan ng COVID-19," Malapitan said in a Facebook post.

According to Malapitan, the local government will release a memorandum to the barangays in the city regarding the order to ensure its implementation.

The mayor has also directed the Caloocan City Police to ensure the strict enforcement of the ban. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News