Cops told to coordinate with barangay officials for safe New Year revelry
Gen. Dionardo Carlos, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered on Thursday, Dec. 31, all police units to coordinate with barangay officials for the strict enforcement of the laws banning the use of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials in greeting the New Year.
Carlos said the order is part of the instruction of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año for the PNP to conduct a crackdown on the manufacture, sale and use of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials that are mostly the cause of accidents and even deaths.
“The barangay and local PNP units’ partnership will ensure that there is proper enforcement of local Executive Orders and a strong system of shared responsibility. Their presence can expand our monitoring deployment. They serve as our lookout in our blindspot areas,” said Carlos.
Executive Order 28 only regulates the manufacturing, selling, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, but local government units are given the authority to impose a total prohibition on firecrackers this holiday season.
Some LGUs have already disclosed their intention to break away from the tradition and instead encouraged residents to use safe alternatives in the traditional celebration of the New Year. Local orders have formalized and laid down the provisions, including the penalties for violators.