The whole of Metro Manila may see a decrease in the use of firecrackers and fireworks display this New Year’s Eve. That will become possible after the Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a directive earlier based on the Executive Order (EO) No. 28 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, which provides for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices outside of the non-designated zones.
The DILG Officer-in-Charge Catalino Cuy made it clear through a memorandum circular, however, that all the allowed “consumer pyrotechnics” or pailaw can still be used outside the community designated fireworks display zones provided residents use them outside their homes.
The circular was based on Section 2 of the EO stating “Pyrotechnic devices other than firecrackers may be used outside community fireworks displays.” In relation to this, he ordered all provincial governors, mayors, and all involved government agencies to disseminate the EO guidelines to all LGUs and ensure the compliance thereof.
Furthermore, Cuy also prompted the LGUs to provide permits specifying the date, time, and exact place where the community fireworks display should be conducted in accordance with national standards, rules, and regulations.
The Republic Act 7183 states that only the “common types” of firecrackers can be manufactured, sold, distributed, and used. These include:
Baby Rocket
Bawang
Small Triangle
Pulling of Strings
Paper Caps
El Diablo
Sky Rocket or kwitis
Meanwhile, pyrotechnics allowed for the same purposes are as follows:
Sparklers
Luces
Fountain (regular, jumbo, and special)
Mabuhay
Roman Candle
Trompillo
Airwolf
Whistle device
Butterfly
According to the DILG, all other firecrackers and fireworks not included in the list are therefore not allowed. These include:
Piccolo
Super Lolo
Whistle Bomb
Goodbye Earth
Atomic Big Triangulo
Judas’ Belt
Watusi
The agency also reiterated that all firecrackers containing more than two grams (approximately 1.3 teaspoons) of gunpowder are strictly not allowed.
Lastly, a total firecracker ban was imposed in some cities in Metro Manila. These include Las Piñas City, Makati City, Muntinlupa City, Parañaque City, Pasig City, Pateros, and Taguig.
Benjamar Gabawa is a fun-loving guy who likes to talk about peace and politics, loves to mingle with anything that has pulse, and loves to be taken by his feet to new places. He also plays musical instruments and ultimately loves to convey his ideas and emotions through his music and writing.