Gen. Dionardo Carlos, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered an early security preparation for the enforcement of the firecracker ban ahead of the Holiday season, especially the New Year revelry.
Carlos said the move is to ensure the public safety as firecracker injuries, and in some cases deaths and injuries due to stray bullets, has been an annual problem in the country.
“The PNP will make sure that the provisions on regulating, manufacturing and distributing firecrackers will be strictly implemented based on Executive Order No. 28 that provides for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices,” Carlos said.
"The PNP makes it a priority to safeguard every locality with enough police manpower. Each police station will coordinate with their respective local govenment unit to identify and monitor the designated firecracker zones," he added.
Carlos said the firecracker zones shall be carefully inspected in coordination with public safety agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
“The PNP is serving fair warning to manufacturers and retailers not to engage in the distribution of illegal firecrackers, at the risk of confiscation and arrest,” asid Carlos.
He also encouraged the public if possible to use safe alternatives in the celebration of the holidays.