PNP issues guidelines on regulation, control of firecracker use during holidays

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday issued the operational guidelines for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics during the Yuletide season.

The Operational Guidelines seek to ensure a safe and peaceful Christmas season in the country.

“The PNP will make sure that the provisions on regulating, manufacturing and distributing firecrackers will be strictly implemented based on Executive Order (EO) No. 28 that provides for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices,” said PNP Chief Police General Dionardo Carlos.

Among the provisions in EO 28 was confining the use of firecrackers to community fireworks displays that would be supervised by a trained person licensed by the PNP.

The EO also gives the PNP Chief the authority to promulgate the criteria on prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

Carlos added that PNP's effort would be in support of the DOH’s annual holiday campaign with the theme: Ligtas Christmas sa Healthy Pilipinas.

The DOH advised the public on Monday to use alternatives to firecrackers in celebrating the holiday season.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that they may use other objects to make noise or watch the community fireworks display. She also urged people to continue wearing face masks and ensure that air ventilation is sufficient while celebrating.

The PNP said it would disperse enough cops in every local government unit (LGU). Each police station will then coordinate with their respective LGUs to identify and monitor the designated firecracker zones.

These zones will be inspected in coordination with the public safety agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) offices.

“The PNP is serving fair warning to manufacturers and retailers not to engage in the distribution of illegal firecrackers, at the risk of confiscation and arrest,” Carlos added.

The Chief PNP also approved several LGU initiatives to conduct community fireworks displays in every barangay to do away with possible firecracker-related incidents. — DVM, GMA News