PNP orders crackdown on prohibited firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a crackdown on prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices to reduce cases of firecracker-related deaths and injuries during Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa directed the Civil Security Group and its regional offices to strictly enforce provisions of Executive Order 28, which provides for strict regulations and control of firecrackers and pyrotechnic products.

At a news briefing, PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the order is to ensure that there are going to be fewer casualties during the holiday season.

“Enough is enough; many lives and limbs have been lost as a result of reckless and indiscriminate use of dangerous firecrackers,” Banac added.

Among the prohibited firecrackers are piccolo, watusi, giant whistle bomb, pillbox, goodbye earth, goodbye bading, goodbye Philippines, giant bawang, large Judas belt, lolo thunder, kwiton, boga and hello Colombia.

Data from the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) showed a downtrend in the number of fireworks-related injuries.

In January, the FEO recorded 307 incidents, which is lower than the 449 cases in January last year. It is also lower than the 929 cases documented in January 2016.

The PNP is beefing up its forces to provide security in identified firecracker and pyrotechnic zones.

Police units will also conduct inspections of warehouses and stores of manufacturers and dealers to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.