Año orders LGUs, PNP to implement firecracker regulations

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday ordered local government units and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to remain vigilant and be on top in enforcing the regulations on firecracker use in the country.

“Upang maiwasan ang anumang sakuna o sunog na dulot ng paputok, kailangang ipatupad ng mga LGUs ang kautusan laban sa paggamit ng paputok,” Año said in a press statement.

He said they are aiming for a lower number of casualties this year.

"For this year, sana mas bumaba pa ang mga masasaktan dahil sa paputok. Kaya naman natin kung gugustuhin,” he said.

In January, the Department of Health announced that 463 fireworks-related injuries were reported nationwide from December 21, 2017 to January 5, 2018. This 27 percent lower from the same period in 2017. 

More than half of the cases were in the National Capital Region, and 79 percent of all cases involved males aged 11 to 69.

The PNP is mandated under Republic Act 7183 to determine what constitutes as prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices and promulgate rules and regulations necessary to regulate and control their use.

Local chief executives, on the other hand, are authorized to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations on firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices within their territorial jurisdiction.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier issued Executive Order 28 which provides for the regulation and control of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, states that the use of fireworks shall be confined to community fireworks display.

EO 28 states that fireworks display must be conducted on the occasion or as part of a celebration, competition, or similar event held in a venue other than a place of residence, and must be done under the supervision of a trained personnel duly licensed by the PNP.

Among the banned firecrackers are: Watusi, piccolo, super lolo, atomic triangle, large Judas belt, large bawang, pillbox, bosa, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, mother rocket, lolo thunder, coke in can, atomic bomb, five star, pla-pla, giant whistle bomb, and kabasi.

Año also directed the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to never let its guard down and provide assistance in fire incidents, including those caused by firecrackers.

Records from the BFP show that last New Year's Eve, there were 14 fire incidents reported nationwide from the evening of December 31, 2018 to January 1, 2018.

Majority of fire accidents were caused by pyrotechnics and firecracker usage.

Año said the BFP, PNP, and LGUs should lead the information campaign on fire safety.

"In this Christmas and New Year's season, when people can get a little too excited, fire accidents are likely to take place kaya naman mas lalong higit nating kailangang bantayan ang ating mga kabahayan at gusali laban sa sunog," he said. — RSJ, GMA News