DILG bares banned firecrackers, those allowed in designated zones

As Filipinos get ready for the New Year revelry, the Department of Interior and Local Government released on Wednesday a list of banned firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, and appealed to the public to strictly observe the designated firecracker zones.

In a report by Tina Panganiban Perez on "State of the Nation," the following were identified as prohibited firecrackers:

• Watusi
• Picolo
• Super lolo
• Atomic Triangle
• Large Judas Belt
• Large Bawang
• Pillbox
• Boga
• Goodbye Philippines
• Bin Laden
• Mother Rocket
• Lolo Thunder
• Coke-in-can
• Atomic Bomb
• Five Star
• Pla-pla
• Giant Whistle Bomb
• Kabasi

Those who would be caught using these banned materials would be sentenced six months to 1 year of prison time and will be fined P30,000.

According to the DILG, some firecrackers are allowed for use, but only within the designated firecracker zones. These are:

• Baby Rocket
• Bawang
• El Diablo
• Judas Belt
• Paper Caps
• Pulling of Stringers
• Small Triangulo

Firecrackers allowed outside of the firecracker zones are:

• Butterfly
• Fountain
• Jumbo, regular and special Luces
• Mabuhay
• Roman Candles
• Sparklers
• Trompillo
• Whistle Device

Some areas, such as Marikina City, Pasig City and Quezon City have imposed a total ban on the use of firecrackers in public spaces , and will allow this only in designated fireworks display areas. 

At Barangay East Kamias in Quezon City, the street outside the barangay hall will be used for the community fireworks display.

Firetrucks and vehicles for emergency use are also in place.

According to Executive Order No. 28 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last year, the use of fireworks can only be considered as community fireworks display if it will be part of a celebration, contest, or any occasion held away from the residential area.

Fireworks can be used only under the supervision of an individual trained and licensed by the Philippine National Police. Individuals must also attain a permit from the local government if fireworks will be used.

In the Section 2 of the Executive Order, pyrotechnic devices can be used as long as it is approved by the law.

"Kailangan doon kayo sa allowable distance, no? Maganda naman manood nito pero meron siyang distansiya para sa ganoon ay maiwasan ang disgrasya," Police Chief Superintendent Valeriano De Leon, head of the Firearms and Explosives Office, said.

The Philippine National Police is now conducting seminars all over the country on the implementation of the executive order and laws pertinent to the use of firecrackers. —Kaela Malig/ LDF, GMA News