Caloocan cracks down on banned fireworks

MANILA, Philippines — Seeking to minimize firecracker-related injuries in Caloocan, Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan has ordered an intensified crackdown on banned firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the city ahead of the New Year’s Eve festivities today.

Malapitan signed Executive Order (EO) 065-23 directing the city police office, fire station and disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRMO) to closely monitor the sale and use of banned fireworks.

He said the EO strengthens the implementation of Republic Act 7183, the firecracker law.

Under the EO, police officers were instructed to confiscate banned firecrackers such as atomic bomb, super lolo and trianggulo as well as arrest users and dealers.

The city’s fire station and DRRMO, meanwhile, are ordered to immediately respond to any untoward incident during the New Year festivities.

Makati warns residents

Makati Mayor Abby Binay urged residents to refrain from using firecrackers to prevent injuries and deaths.

In a statement, Binay noted that the city’s “yellow card” does not cover free treatment at Ospital ng Makati when the injury is due to firecrackers.

According to the city government, a yellow card provides government-subsidized health care to cardholders in city-run hospitals and clinics.

Binay also reminded storeowners that selling any kind of firecracker to minors 15 years old and below is prohibited. Under City Ordinance 1994-029, violators may be fined P1,000 or jailed for 15 days.

Binay encouraged residents to join the New Year’s Eve countdown, which will be held on Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. along Ayala Avenue.

Muntinlupa destroys seized firecrackers

Police officers and firefighters destroyed over 3,800 assorted illegal firecrackers in Muntinlupa City yesterday.

Violators of the firecracker ban face fines of up to P5,000 in accordance with City Ordinance 14-092.

Apart from this, police and firefighters also destroyed at least 77 confiscated open mufflers and pipes.

A ban on the use of open mufflers and pipes that emit excessive noise and smoke is also strictly enforced in the city, based on Ordinance 04-022, which sets fines ranging from P2,500 to P7,000 for violators.