Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez ordered the city’s 16 barangays to ensure that local residents will only use the designated fireworks display and firecracker zones within their jurisdiction to ensure a safe and peaceful New Year celebration.
In a memorandum, the local chief executive listed the types of firecrackers and explosives that are banned in the city. Those who are authorized to sell firecrackers must have permits from the Philippine National Police and the city's Business Permits and Licensing Office.
“Let us welcome and celebrate the New Year safely and peacefully,” Olivarez said.
The mayor said firecrackers are inherently dangerous especially those that are manufactured illegally.
Olivarez, a registered nurse, said he does not want residents to celebrate New Year in a hospital.
The local chief executive said he has ordered all 16 barangay chairmen in the city to inform their constituents about the more than 100 established fireworks display and firecracker zones in the city.
City Administrator Atty. Voltaire dela Cruz said the city government will also enforce the ban on indiscriminate gun firing during the new year celebrations.
“We will not tolerate the use of firearms in welcoming the New Year and we will take the necessary action against those who will be caught firing their weapons indiscriminately during the holidays,” Dela Cruz said.
The City Administrator added he has also ordered concerned offices like the City Health Office, the Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office, as well as the local police and fire departments, to be on the alert to ensure a peaceful New Year celebration.
He designated Mr. Reynaldo Murillo, head of the local Traffic and Parking Management Office, to coordinate the proper implementation of safety regulations and the enforcement of Mayor Olivarez’s memorandum on firecracker zones.