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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Mayor Joy orders strict implementation of firecracker ban

Mayor Joy orders strict implementation of firecracker ban

Published Dec 29, 2023 09:57 am

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday, Dec. 29, ordered different law enforcement agencies in the city to strictly implement the firecracker ban for the safety of residents and in preparation for the local government’s New Year Countdown event on Sunday, Dec. 31.

She also encouraged QCitizens to watch the event , dubbed as  “QC Countdown to 2024,” that will be held at around 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Quezon City Memorial Circle (QMC) and will feature celebrities, performers, and bands including comedian and host Vice Ganda. It will be hosted by Allan K, Tuesday Vargas, Boobay, Tekla, and Uma.

“The safety and well-being of our households and businesses are paramount. To minimize, if not eliminate, the harm and damage these firecrackers could bring to our people, we remain committed to implementing our national and local laws prohibiting the use, sale, and manufacture of dangerous firecrackers. Instead, we are offering QCitizens a safer way to welcome the new year by organizing the grand concert and community fireworks display at the Quezon Memorial Circle,” Belmonte said.

“Inaanyayahan ko ang lahat na şamahan kami sa napaka-espesyal na pagdiriwang ng bagong taon. Ito ang handog namin sa lahat ng QCitizens na kasama namin sa pagpapabuti at pagpapalago ng ating lungsod. Hangad natin na maging ligtas para sa lahat ng QCitizens ang pagsalubong sa bagong taon (I invite everyone to join us in this very special new year celebration. This is our gift to all QCitizens who are with us in improving and developing our city. We wish that all QCitizens welcome the new year safely),” she added.

Under Executive Order (EO) No. 54, S-2022 issued by the mayor in 2022, fireworks displays are allowed only in public places as approved by the city government.

Those who would like to conduct fireworks display in a specific public area in the city should secure an authorization from the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), the local government said.

It added that firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices permitted by national law will only be sold in shopping malls with clearance from the DPOS and a special permit from the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD), in accordance with City Ordinance No. SP-2618, S-2017.

It added that the permissible firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are the only ones allowed to be used during public fireworks displays in the city.

It also said that private households in the city are also prohibited from holding fireworks displays and using firecrackers.

The city government said that under Ordinance No. SP-2618, S-2017, violators will be meted a P5,000 fine or one-year imprisonment, or both at the discretion of the court. This is in relation to the penalties for violators under  Republic Act 7183 (An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecracker and Other Pyrotechnic Devices) and the Fire Code of the Philippines.

The ordinance also imposes a one year jail term, or a fine of P5,000, or both, at the discretion of the court, on anyone caught selling, giving, and sharing any type of firecracker to children, the city government added.

The local government said that personnel from the Traffic and Transport Management Department (TTMD), Department of Public Order and Safety (TTMD), Quezon City Police  District (QCPD), Task Force Disiplina (TFD), and QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) will be deployed to manage the traffic flow along Elliptical Road and assist those attending the event as traffic is expected during the event. Motorists that will pass through the said thoroughfare were advised to take alternate routes on Sunday.

It earlier announced that the operations of the QCity Buses will be extended from Sunday to Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, to provide free rides to those who will attend the event at the QMC.

The New Year countdown will feature various bands including Mayonnaise, The Dawn, Cueshe, Imago, Orange and Lemons, Shamrock, Autotelic, and Tropical Depression, drag queens Precious Paula Nicole, Captivating Katkat, Arizona Brandy and Bernie, and other artists

A special fireworks display will be held at midnight. 

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