NCRPO still waiting for list of firecracker zones

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office has yet to received a list of designated firecracker zones from local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila, an official said yesterday.

NCRPO chief Director Carmelo Valmoria said police units need the list to map out security preparations for the designated firecracker zones before the Christmas and New Year revelries.

Valmoria directed all commanders to coordinate with their respective LGUs for the list to be finalized and submitted not only to the NCRPO but also to the Department of Health (DOH) and other government offices under the program dubbed as “Mahalaga ang Buhay, Iwasan ang Paputok.”

The NCRPO and DOH launched an information drive to convince residents not to use banned firecrackers to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year to prevent accidents.

Records showed that at least 600 persons were injured during the New Year’s Eve celebration this year.

In a recent meeting with the Metropolitan Manila Development Auhority, the LGUs promised to support the DOH program by designating firecracker zones in their respective jurisdictions. Under the setup, the LGUs would coordinate with their barangay officials for the designation of firecracker zones.