Muntinlupa authorities continued their crackdown on the sale and use of firecrackers, and drivers whose motorcycles are equipped with open pipes and mufflers that emit loud noise.
On Dec. 30, officials from the Muntinlupa police and Muntinlupa fire station destroyed confiscated firecrackers and open pipes and mufflers with the aim of having a safe and peaceful New Year’s Eve celebration in the city.
Authorities led by Muntinlupa police chief Col. Angel Garcillano submerge confiscated firecrackers in a drum of water on Dec. 30 (Photos from the Muntinlupa police / Muntinlupa City government)
The use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, and noise-emitting open pipes and mufflers on motorcycles and other vehicles is banned in Muntinlupa under two ordinances.
Muntinlupa City Ordinance No. 14–092, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council in 2014, prohibits “the manufacture, display, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City.”
Violators can face fines from P1,000 to P5,000, and imprisonment of up to six months.
Authorities led by Muntinlupa police chief Col. Angel Garcillano destroyed 3,813 confiscated illegal firecrackers by submerging them in a drum of water to make them unusable.
Among those destroyed were 1,420 Kwitis, 1,699 Five Star, 145 improvised canons or "boga," 70 whistle bombs, 198 luces, four Sawa, and 30 Pla-pla.
They also destroyed open pipes and mufflers confiscated from operations conducted from Dec. 24 to 29.
As of Dec. 29, the Muntinlupa police, Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB) and the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) have apprehended 239 drivers with motorcycles equipped with open pipes and mufflers.
The Muntinlupa City government earlier warned that the use of open mufflers or pipes, sound boosters or any modifications in motorcycles or other vehicles that emit noise is banned based on Ordinance 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code.
Violators can face fines from P2,500 to P7,500.