Firecrackers banned in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Private fireworks shows are still prohibited in Manila during the New Year revelry, according to Mayor Isko Moreno.

On Tuesday, Moreno signed Executive Order No. 52, allowing community fireworks displays with valid permits.

“The rule prohibiting private households from conducting their own fireworks displays stands. The use of firecrackers should be confined only to community fireworks displays with a valid permit secured from the city’s Bureau of Permits,” the order read.

The following firecrackers are banned in Manila: super lolo, atomic big triangulo, mother rocket, lolo thunder, five star, og, pla-pla, pillbox, watusi, piccolo, giant whistle bomb, big Judas’ belt, large bawang, bosa, goodbye Philippines, goodbye Earth, Bin Laden, coke in can and kabasi.

“These firecrackers could endanger life and limb,” Moreno said.

Under Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers, violators will be fined up to P30,000 or penalized with six months to a year in prison.

Moreno urged the public to save their money instead of spending it on firecrackers.

“Save the money for a rainy day. We are still in a pandemic,” he said.

The local government of Valenzuela will also enforce a ban on firecrackers.

Based on an ordinance approved by the Valenzuela government in 2020, the manufacture, use and sale of firecrackers are prohibited in the city.

Violators will be fined P5,000 and face up to 30 days in prison.

The city government called on the public to use safe noisemakers such as horns, drums and loud music to welcome the New Year.

In Pateros, Mayor Miguel Ponce III said firecrackers and pyrotechnics are banned in the municipality.

Ponce said groups who want to organize community fireworks displays need to secure permits from the municipal government and the local police. – Ghio Ong