Firecracker sales prohibited in 5 towns of Negros Island

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The sale of firecrackers in five towns of Negros Island Region (Region 18) is being prohibited by their respective local government units, which instead will usher the New Year eve celebrations with fireworks display.

Fire Superintendent Fred Trajeras, officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Fire and Protection-Region 18, said the local governments of San Enrique town in Negros Occidental, and Santa Catalina and Bacong towns in Negros Oriental, did not grant permits to sell firecrackers.

The sale and use of firecrackers are also banned in Moises Padilla and Pulupandan towns in Negros Occidental, headed by Mayor Magdaleno Peña and his son, Miguel, respectively. These two towns will celebrate the countdown to New Year with fireworks display and holding of parlor games for their respective residents.

Bacolod City, for its part, will celebrate New Years eve with a party that will end with a fireworks display at the Government Center (GC) grounds, as Mayor Evelio Leonardia called on Bacoleños to welcome the new year with their families at the GC grounds.

Senior Superintendent William Señoron, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) director, also echoed the warning of PNP Chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa that he will relieve a police chief, whose personnel may be involved in the illegal discharge of firearms during the NewYear’s eve revelries, under the doctrine of command responsibility.

For the first time, the PNP suspended its annual tradition of sealing the muzzles of police guns to prevent indiscriminate firing in the holiday revelries. Señoron said the order of dela Rosa shows that the latter has trust in the police.

The same doctrine applies to provincial or city police directors, if there are two police officers under their command, who violate the policy against illegal discharge of firearms.

Señoron also encouraged the participation of the community in monitoring their respective neighborhoods, by immediately reporting any incident of illegal discharge of firearms.

A security guard was jailed in La Carlota City, when his gun accidentally went off, while trying to pacify a commotion. But Señoron said they have not received any report of indiscriminate firing, involving members of the Philippine National Police.