PEACEFUL HOLIDAYS. Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, PRO-5 regional director, urges the public to avoid the use of firecrackers in order to prevent accidents and firecracker-related injuries. Anyone found guilty of violating Republic Act 7183 shall be punished with a fine of not less than PHP20,000 nor more than PHP30,000 and imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than one year, or both. (PNA file photo)
LEGAZPI CITY – With only two days to go before Christmas Day, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) is urging the public to avoid the use of firecrackers in order to trim down accidents and firecracker-related injuries, particularly during the New Year revelry.
In a statement on Friday, Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, PRO-5 regional director, said the unit, in coordination with the local chief executives of different towns, cities, and provinces, shall conduct an inspection and round-the-clock police visibility patrol to ensure adherence to the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7183 which covers the regulation of the sale, manufacture, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices this Yuletide season.
"To the public, stop using illegal or dangerous firecrackers, especially the use of firearms, instead use of conventional noisemakers like torotot (trumpet) and other percussive instruments during the celebration of Christmas and New Year," Dimas said.
This also intends to make sure the observance of the rules and regulations in furtherance of public safety, order and the enhancement of cultural traditions.
The prohibited firecrackers include watusi, piccolo, pop pop, five star, pla-pla, lolo thunder, giant bawang, giant whistle bomb, super lolo, atomic triangle, goodbye bading, large size judas belt, goodbye Philippines, goodbye Delima, bin laden, bello Columbia, mother rockets, goodbye napoles, coke-in-can, super Yolanda, pilibox, mother rockets, boga, kwiton, kabasi and all overweight and oversized fire-crackers and pyrotechnic devices (FCPD) and other types with other brands/names equivalent to those that are prohibited.
Any person found guilty of the violation of RA 7183 shall be punished by a fine of not less than PHP20,000.00 nor more than PHP30,000.00, imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than one year, or both. (PNA)
