A man in Barangay Daliao, Davao City was arrested an hour past midnight after he was caught setting off firecrackers to greet the New Year despite the city’s firecracker ban.

Police said they were patrolling the area when they caught the suspect in the act of igniting a fountain-type firework in front of his house.

“After umiikot he was caught in the act na nagsisindi ng fireworks sa harap ng kanilang bahay,” Toril Police Station Chief, Atty. Sheryl Bautista, said.

The suspect identified as alias “Ramon,” 50, spent the New Year behind bars.

Authorities confiscated firecrackers from the suspect, including a kwitis and three baby rockets.

The suspect admitted to the violation and said he is ready to face the consequences of his actions.

"Ako ang nagsindi atong fountain. Kini laging maibog ta sa silingan...ang silingan pud (nagpabuto pud) ako lay na timingan,” the suspect said.

The ban in Davao City has been in place since 2002.

“Yung city ordinance, meron siyang imprisonment at penalty and fine, so i-file natin ang kaso kung mag-resume na ang city prosecutor’s office by Saturday,” Bautista added.

Under the ordinance, a fine of P1,000 and imprisonment of 20 to 30 days are imposed for the first offense. For the second offense, violators will be fined P3,000 and will spend one to three months in jail. A third offense carries a P5,000 fine and three to six months of imprisonment.

Police are also investigating another alleged incident wherein a fireworks display was being set off in the city.