Navotas LGU reminds residents of firecracker ban in the city

The Navotas local government unit on Monday reminded residents of the firecracker ban in force in the city since December 2020.

"PAALALA | Para po manatiling ligtas ang pagsalubong natin ng Bagong Taon, bawal po ang paggamit ng anumang paputok o fireworks alinsunod sa Executive Order No. TMT-060," the LGU said in a Facebook post, according to a report on Unang Balita on Tuesday.

(Reminder | To ensure a safe welcome for the New Year, the use of any fireworks is prohibited in accordance with Executive Order No. TMT-060.)

The LGU said with the prohibition on the use of firecrackers, accidents including fire incidents will also be avoided.

"Gumamit na lamang ng mga bagay na lumilikha ng ingay tulad ng pito, mga gamit sa kusina, sound system, at iba pa," the LGU added.

(Just use objects that would create noise such as whistle, kitchen items, sound system, and others.)

In Quezon City, meanwhile, private households are also prohibited from using firecrackers, and only those approved types can be used in public places, the LGU reiterated over the weekend.

The Valenzuela City government on the other hand rescinded its ban on firecrackers as it passed an ordinance that now allows the use and sale of firecrackers, fireworks, and other legal pyrotechnic devices. The LGU, however, clarified it would abide by the national government's rules should it issue its own guidelines.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier reminded the public to observe the regulations and laws regarding the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

The use of huge firecrackers is still prohibited, the PNP said.

Based on the information provided by Fajardo, firecrackers with the following characteristics are prohibited:

• overweight (not more than 0.2 gram or not more than one third of teaspoon);
• oversized like super lolo, giant whistle bomb, among others;
• fuse should not burn less than three seconds but not more than six seconds;
• imported finished products; and
• mixture of phosphorus or sulfur with that of chlorate.

She also reminded that every community should designate a firecracker display zone and community display area where these items may be used and displayed.

Among the types of firecrackers that may be used in fireworks display areas are the following:

• baby rocket;
• bawang;
• el diablo;
• Judas’ belt;
• paper caps;
• pulling of strings;
• sky rocket (kwitis); and
• small “triangulo”.

—KG, GMA Integrated News