"We have no other choice but to ban them since we want to preserve lives and prevent damage to property. The ban stays," said Duterte, unmoved by a clamor for him to lift the firecracker ban.
Since the ban was imposed two weeks ago, police have arrested a number of businessmen and confiscated loads of firecrackers and pyrotechnics from them.
The mayor said the ban would prompt the city folk to observe the solemnity of Christmas.
"It will help everyone reflect on the true meaning of Christmas," he said.
Majority of residents and members of the city council have thrown their support behind Duterte’s move. The councilors even passed an ordinance to strengthen the firecracker ban. — Edith Regalado