REGULATING FIRECRACKERS. Firecrackers and other pyrotechnic products are on display at a store at the bus terminal of Naval, Biliran. Days before the start of Christmas and New Year revelries, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 8 has warned the public against the use of banned firecrackers to ensure safe celebrations. (Photo courtesy of BiliranIsland.com)
PALO, Leyte -- Ahead of the Christmas and New Year revelries, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has warned the public against the use of banned firecrackers to ensure safe celebrations.
Policemen all over the region have been directed to monitor the use, trading, and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices to make sure that those available in the market are from licensed manufacturers and registered dealers and retailers.
“Only firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices manufactured by the authorized manufacturer with a valid license issued by the Civil Security Group, PNP will be the source of licensed dealer’s stocks for market distribution,” PNP Eastern Visayas deputy regional director for administration, Brig. Gen. Ariel Arcinas told reporters Tuesday.
The official said they will arrest any person caught illegally manufacturing, selling, distributing or using prohibited firecrackers.
“We encourage the public to use safe merry-making instruments and alternative noise-makers instead of using firecrackers and fireworks that pose risks to their own lives and limbs and public safety in general,” he added.
Prohibited firecrackers include piccolo, watusi, giant whistle bomb, giant bawang, large Judas belt, super lolo, lolo thunder, boga, goodbye Philippines, among others.
Violators may be fined between PHP20,000 and PHP30,000 and/or face imprisonment for up to one year, the police official said. (PNA)
