PNP continues to urge the public to stop using firecrackers

December 9, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday continues to urge the public to stop using firecrackers during New Year celebrations despite a downtrend on firecracker-related incidents over the past four years.

In a press briefing, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said it is high-time for the people to rethink the value of New Year’s Day celebration and weigh it against personal safety, comfort and public health.

“Enough is enough, many lives and limbs have been lost as a result of reckless and indiscriminate use of dangerous firecrackers. Perhaps it is high time for our people to rethink the value of this traditional practice and weigh it against personal safety, comfort and public health,” the PNP spokesman said.

“Despite the downward trend in firecracker-related incidents recorded over the past four years, the fact is, the practice of this traditional dangerous holiday revelry still persists,” Banac added.

According to PNP- Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO), they recorded 307 incidents in January 2019 which is the lowest record since the 929 incidents last 2016.

“We attribute this trend to public awareness, information and dissemination campaign, seminars, media appearances, interviews and proactive visitations in stores and communities by the police to remind the public,” he said.

Banac said they support the Department of Health’s call for total ban on firecracker.

“We are one with the call of DOH in protecting the lives and safety of our people through nationwide ban on firecrackers,” he said.

With few weeks before the end of the year, Banac said the officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police, Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa directed the Civil Security Group and police regional offices to launch early police operations to strictly enforce provisions of Executive Order No. 28 series of 2017 that provides for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

EO 28, in effect, adds more teeth to existing laws, particularly Republic Act. No. 7183, that prohibits the importation, manufacture, distribution and use of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in support of the campaign of the DOH to reduce fireworks-related deaths and injuries associated with the traditional observance of the holiday season.

“We enjoin as well the local government leaders to exercise the authority and moral ascendancy on their constituents, and take an active and empowered role in this national campaign,” Banac said.

The PNP is beefing up its force to provide security in identified firecrackers and pyrotechnic zones and firecracker or pyrotechnic displays in respective areas in coordination with appropriate agencies and stakeholders.

Police units will conduct inspections of the manufacturing complex, warehouse, and processing area of manufacturers and dealers in respective areas of responsibility to ensure the observance of safety guidelines. Ella Dionisio/DMS