Caloocan prohibits use of firecrackers except in designated areas

The use of firecrackers during the New Year revelries is strictly prohibited in Caloocan City except in the approved designated community fireworks display zone/area in each barangay, Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan said Tuesday.

“Salubungin po natin ang 2023 nang ligtas at payapa. Hinihikayat po ang paggamit ng iba pang pampa-ingay tulad ng torotot at iba pang instrumento,” Malapitan said in a Facebook post.

(Let us welcome 2023 in a safe and peaceful manner. I urge you to use other forms of noisemakers such as horns and other instruments.)

He said this is in compliance with Executive Order No. 032-22 directing barangay chairmen to identify and designate the fireworks display zone or area in their respective jurisdictions.

“Inaatasan din po natin ang Caloocan City Police Station, Caloocan Bureau of Fire Protection, Caloocan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, at ang Caloocan City Health Department na mahigpit na ipatupad ang mga panuntunan sa ilalim ng nabanggit na executive order,” he added.

(We also direct the Caloocan City Police Station, Caloocan Bureau of Fire Protection, Caloocan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Caloocan City Health Department to strictly implement the rules under the aforementioned executive order.)

The mayor said barangay officials must submit the following requirements for designated community fireworks area/zone to the Office of the City Administrator three days before the revelries:

• full address and description of the area (designated area/zone)
• date and time of the fireworks display
• plans to ensure citizens' security, good health, and safety in said activity

Malapitan further said the barangay chairmen should strictly enforce and monitor compliance with the firecracker ban and closely supervise the fireworks display in the designated areas.

The cities of Quezon, Navotas, and Valenzuela have also issued their respective advisories regarding firecraker use during the New Year celebrations.—Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA Integrated News