Firecrackers, pyrotechnics banned in Metro Manila --Danao

The use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials will be totally banned in Metro Manila during the New Year revelry as part of the measures to protect residents both from injury and possible coronavirus infection.

Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao, regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said he had already ordered all police commanders in Metro Manila to strictly implement the firecracker ban during the days leading to and on the day of the New year revelry.

Danao’s order stemmed from the recommendation of the Metro Manila mayors, through Resolution 19 series of 2020 that was discussed during the Regional Peace and Order Council on Dec. 15.

“The use of firecrackers is very dangerous because aside from the injuries that the victims would suffer, he had to be taken to hospitals where he would be prone to coronavirus infection,” said Danao.

Metro Manila is considered as the epicenter of the coronavirus infection.

Danao also explained that the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials especially during the New Year celebration could also lead to violations of minimum health safety standard protocols, especially the rule against mass gathering.

Maj. Gen. Alfred Corpus, head of the Philippine National Police Directorate for Operations, said they are still waiting for the order of President Duterte if there would be a nationwide firecracker ban.

“We heard the President that he might suggest to order a total ban of firecrackers. We are awaiting this. But our units down to the regions, to the provincial and the municipal levels were directed to strictly enforce the law on regulating sale and use of firecrackers,” said Corpus.

If there would be no order from the President, Corpus said they most they could do is to encourage Local Government Units to identify firecracker display zones in their respective areas where the minimum health safety standard protocols and other measures to protect people from firecracker injuries could be easily monitored and implemented.

The use of firecrackers is a tradition in the country wherein most people believe that loud noises could drive away bad luck for the coming year. But New Year revelry is always marked with firecracker injuries, and sometimes deaths.