Use firecracker zones, Manilans urged

MANILA, Philippines — Police yesterday urged Metro Manila residents to use firecracker zones in their barangays to prevent injuries during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Guillermo Eleazar also ordered his five police district directors to rid the streets of banned firecrackers.

“We should prevent these firecrackers from reaching the hands of the residents, especially children so they would not be included in the list of firecracker injuries,” Eleazar said.

He said local government units in Metro Manila and barangay officials have put up designated firecracker zones where the residents can use fireworks and firecrackers.

The move aims to reduce firecracker injuries during Christmas and New Year revelries, Eleazar said.

Around 15,000 policemen and augmentation forces would be deployed in Metro Manila under Oplan “Ligtas Kapaskuhan 2018” to prevent criminals and other threat groups from taking advantage of the holidays.