LGUs prepare for New Year’s Eve revelry

MANILA, Philippines - Several local government units in Metro Manila have prepared measures to make the celebration of New Year’s Eve safer.

In Caloocan City, Mayor Oscar Malapitan called on residents to refrain from discharging their firearms and using firecrackers to usher in the new year.

“Please be reminded of the tragedy of seven-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella, who was a stray bullet victim almost a year ago,” he said.

The Manila Police District (MPD), on the other hand, will deploy hundreds of policemen to secure the New Year countdown in Divisoria tonight.

“We do not want to be complacent, as some groups might want to disrupt the festivities,” MPD Station 11 chief Superintendent Raymund Liguden said.

The countdown will be held in front of the 168 Mall at the corner of Soler street and Recto Avenue. The event, organized by the city government, will be led by Mayor Joseph Estrada.

The National Parks and Development Committee, which runs Rizal Park, appealed to those who will visit the park to clean as they go. The NPDC issued the statement in a bid to prevent a repeat of what happened last Christmas, when visitors left behind piles of garbage.

Around 1.5 million people flocked to the park on Christmas Day. People are expected to visit the park tonight to witness the countdown, fireworks and free concerts.

As for Taguig City, the city government has cracked down on the sale and use of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics to prevent fireworks-related injuries.

Mayor Lani Cayetano warned that the city government will revoke the business permits and sue shops caught selling illegal fireworks.

She also said the city government will charge those who will engage in indiscriminate firing.