Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all police commanders to coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies in ensuring a death-free and injury-free celebration of the New Year.
Azurin said he wants to replicate the security measures since Dec. 16 to 25 wherein there were no stray bullet and firecracker-related injuries were reported.
"Our operations against those selling illegal firecrackers, including those who are doing it online, will continue," said Azurin, citing the arrest of 17 people who were caught selling illegal firecrackers online in a series of buy-bust operations.
"We are also working in cooperation with the Bureau of Fire Protection and Department of Health and other partner agencies to help decrease, if not to eliminate, the number of damaged properties and victims of firecrackers-related incidents this new-year celebration," he added.
Citing the guideline issued by the PNP-Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO), PNP chief information officer Col. Redrico Maranan said the following are considered banned firecrackers: piccolo, super lolo, atomic triangle, large judas belt, large bawang, pillbox, bosa, goodbye Philippines, bin laden, goodbye bading, goodbye covid, kwiton bomb, kwiton parachute, mother rocket, lolo thunder, coke in can, atomic bomb, five star, pla-pla, giant whistle bomb, kabasi, and watusi.
Maranan said the FEO rule states that any firecracker with more than 0.2 grams is already considered prohibited.
On the other hand, the following are allowed to be used: butterfly, fountain, jumbo regular and special, luces, mabuhay, Roman Candle, sparklers, trompillo, whistle device, All kinds of pyrotechnic devices (pailaw).
The Republic Act 7183 and the Executive Order 28, meanwhile, stated that the following are regulated for sale and use: Baby Rocket, Bawang, El Diablo, Judas’ Belt, Paper Caps, Pulling of Strings, Sky Rocket (Kwitis), Small “Triangulo”, and other types of firecrackers that are not oversized, not overweight, and not imported.
Over the years, the New Year revelry is also marked with hundreds of firecracker-related injuries amid repeated warnings from the government.
A number of people either died or wounded due to stray bullets from guns fired by errant gun owners.
While the PNP is not keen on muzzling the barrel of the service firearms of the policemen this year, Azurin warned all policemen that they would be in deep trouble if they use their guns in welcoming the new year.
"To our Police officers, I am once again reminding you that administrative sanctions will be filed against those who will be caught in unofficial use or firing their firearms indiscriminately," said Azurin.
"Hence, as PNP members, we should live with our mandate: to protect and save lives at all times," he added.
He also warned civilian gun owners: " To all other gun holders, be responsible owners and do not fire your guns indiscriminately for the law will be swift to go after you."