Muntinlupa enforces firecracker ban

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Muntinlupa will implement a ban on the use of firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year revelries to avoid injuries and deaths.

The order was in compliance with City Ordinance No. 14-092, prohibiting the manufacture, display, sale, distribution, possession and use of firecrackers.

Violators will be fined up to P5,000. Shops selling firecrackers may have their permits suspended or revoked.

Apart from this, the local government also banned the use of open pipes and mufflers that emit excessive noise and smoke in accordance with City Ordinance No. 04-022.

Violation of the ordinance may result in fines of P2,500 to P7,500.

The local government will allow only community fireworks displays with official permits from the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection.

Environmental watchdog BAN Toxics has expressed support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s call for a total ban on the sale and use of firecrackers nationwide.

“We support a shift to a safer holiday season. We need to remember ‘safety first’ for our children and the community from the health and environmental pollutants from firecrackers,” BAN Toxics campaigner Thony Dizon said.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos earlier called on local government units to enact ordinances imposing a ban on firecrackers to prevent injuries, especially during the holiday season.