Pasay City gov't bans firecrackers

The Pasay City Government on Tuesday announced that the use of fireworks will be prohibited during the New Year’s Eve revelry to minimize the risk of injuries.

“The use of firecrackers shall be banned in all areas within Pasay City during the New Year Celebration,” Pasay Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano said in a statement.

Calixto-Rubiano also said the local government will not issue any special permit “pursuant to the authority provided under Executive Order No. 28, Series of 2017.”

Meanwhile, police authorities, barangay officials, members of the city Public Order and Safety Unit, and the Pasay City Environment and Natural Environment Office have been directed to strictly implement the order.

According to the local government, violators may be arrested and charged under existing Sangguniang ordinances, Sec. 9 of Republic Act No. 11332, or Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code.

Calixto-Rubiano said the ban is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 28 that regulates and controls the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

She also said that the ban is in accordance with the resolution of the Regional Peace and Order Council of the National Capital Region that recommended the banning of firecrackers in Metro Manila during the holiday season. -- BAP, GMA News