The number of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices confiscated in Muntinlupa has reached 7,767.
According to the Muntinlupa Police headed by Col. Angel Garcillano, from Dec. 24 to 6 a.m. of Dec. 31, a total of 7,767 pieces of firecrackers worth P156,120 were confiscated by substations in Barangays Tunasan, Putatan, Alabang, Sucat, Ayala Alabang, Poblacion and Cupang, intelligence section, Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (TMRU).
The Muntinlupa police headed by Col. Angel Garcillano and representatives of the Muntinlupa City Fire Station during the destruction of illegal firecrackers on Dec. 30 (Photo from Muntinlupa PIO)
A traffic enforcer from the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau inspecting motorcycles for open pipes and mufflers (Photo from MTMB)
The use of firecrackers is prohibited in Muntinlupa under Ordinance No. 14-092, passed in 2014.
The ordinance 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.”
Included in the 7,767 confiscated firecrackers are 5,376 (69 percent) Five Star and 217 improvised canons or “boga.”
Violators of the ordinance can face fines from P1,000 to P5,000, and imprisonment of up to six months.
Mayor Ruffy Biazon ordered the police and city departments to strictly implement the ordinances on the ban on firecrackers and use of open pipes and mufflers in motorcycles and other vehicles.
As of Dec. 29, the Muntinlupa Police, Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB) and Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) 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.