PNP urges LGUs to set firecracker zones

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday called on local government units (LGUs) to designate firecracker zones for public safety as their use increases during the holiday season and peaks toward New Year.

Aside from this, PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also directed local police units to intensify operations against the sale of illegal firecrackers.

“Ang designated zones po ay malaking tulong para maiwasan ang aksidente, ma-regulate ang pagbebenta, at matulungan din ang legitimate small businesses na sumusunod sa batas,” he said in a statement.

(Designated zones are a great help in preventing accidents, regulating sales, and also helping legitimate small businesses that follow the law.)

“Hindi po tayo magdadalawang-isip na magsampa ng kaso laban sa mga lalabag sa batas. Simula pa lang ng Christmas season, pinapaalalahanan na natin ang publiko na bawal ang illegal firecrackers at mahigpit ang enforcement,” he added.

(We will not hesitate to file cases against those who violate the law. Since the beginning of the Christmas season, we have been reminding the public that illegal firecrackers are prohibited and enforcement is strict.)

Nartatez said the PNP is strictly enforcing safety standards set by the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO), which requires all firecracker stalls to secure permits, maintain proper storage facilities, and sell only clearly labeled products.

The sale of illegal, oversized, overweight, imported, and unlabeled firecrackers remains prohibited.

Among the banned firecrackers and pyrotechnics are watusi, piccolo, five star, giant bawang, super lolo, lolo thunder, atomic bomb, boga, among others.

Nartatez ordered police units across the country to intensify intelligence gathering and conduct regular and surprise inspections of stalls and warehouses.

They should also step up patrols in residential areas, public markets, and online platforms where illegal firecrackers are usually sold, according to Nartatez.

He warned that police commanders who would fail to enforce these rules will be held accountable.

The PNP appealed to the public, especially the youth, to avoid illegal firecrackers and choose safer alternatives in welcoming the New Year.

“The safe celebrations of Christmas and New Year does is a shared responsibility. On the part of the PNP, we will exhaust all measures to prevent the proliferation of illegal firecrackers and ensure police visibility. Let us work together to have safe and meaningful Christmas and New Year celebrations,” Nartatez said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News