Muntinlupa, QC enforce firecracker ban

The local government of Muntinlupa on Tuesday warned the public against using firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices in the city ahead of the New Year’s Eve celebration.

Under City Ordinance No. 14-092 passed in 2014, the city government prohibited the use, manufacture, distribution, and sale of any fireworks or pyrotechnic device in Muntinlupa to “protect the environment and the health of the people from their harmful effects.”

Violators of the firecracker ban may be fined P1,000 or detained for 1 month but not less than 2 days, or both, for first-time offenders.

The second offense may lead to sanctions of imprisonment of not more than 6 months but not 3 months, or a fine of P3,000, or both; while the third offense may be penalized with a fine of P5,000 or jail time of not more than 6 months but not less than 3 months, or both.

Likewise, the LGU banned using mufflers or pipes, sound boosters, and other devices that may emit loud noises under City Ordinance No. 04-022.

“Salubungin natin ang Pasko at Bagong Taon nang ligtas at mapayapa,” the Muntinlupa government said on Facebook.

(Let us celebrate Christmas and New Year safely and peacefully.)

“Pinapayagan lamang ang community fireworks display na may karampatang permit mula sa LGU, PNP, at BFP at sumusunod sa safety protocols na nakasaad sa Ordinansa,” it added.

(We are only allowing community fireworks displays with proper permits from the LGU, PNP, BFP and adhere to protocols

QC bans firecrackers

Meanwhile, the Quezon City (QC) government is strictly implementing a “total firecracker ban” for the holidays, according to Saleema Refran’s report on dzBB’s Super Radyo.

QC Department of Public Order and Safety Head Elmo San issued a stern warning against using firecrackers in public spaces, adding that fireworks and pyrotechnic devices are only allowed in designated “fireworks zones.”

Violators may be fined with P5,000 and be detained for up to 6 months.

Instead of using firecrackers, the city government invited the public to join its New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks display at the QC Memorial Circle. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News