Cops told to strictly enforce designation of firecracker zones for New Year revelry
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered all its chiefs of police and commanders to strictly implement the designation of community fireworks display areas in their respective areas of responsibility for the New Year revelry.
PNP chief information officer Col. Redrico Maranan said the move is to ensure the safe celebration of New Year amid the rising number of firecracker-related injuries in the past few days.
the PNP will be aggressively implementing the said EO 28 and monitor the compliance on the use of areas for firecrackers display as well as other laws and regulations related to it," said Maranan.
He is referring to the Executive Order 28 issued by then president Rodrigo Duterte in a bid to expand the implementation of firecracker ban which has long been observed in Davao City.
The EO stipulates provisions that regulates the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic device during the New Year revelry amid the yearly scenario of hundreds of people suffering from firecracker-related injuries.
"Executive Order 28 intends to regulate the use of firecrackers only in designated areas as may be identified by LGUs, which does not include pyrotechnics or pailaw which maybe used outside the community fireworks display subject to existing rules and regulations," said Maranan.
He sad the police personnel will not apprehend those who will be using legal pyrotechnics or "pailaw" outside the community fireworks display area.
Maranan said the implementation of EO comes with the strict enforcement of the law pertaining to the manufacture and selling of illegal firecrackers.
Over 24 people were arrested in the series of operations in the past days, the recent was a 40-year old man who was collared in an entrapment in Quezon City for selling illegal firecrackers online.