Governor Daniel R. Fernando of the Province of Bulacan appealed to President Marcos to review Memorandum Order No. 31, Series of 2018, which suspends the processing of new licenses and permits for the manufacture, sale, and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil presents the samples of prohibited firecrackers to Gov. Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro during the Bulacan Pyrotechnics Regulatory Board’s Fireworks Stalls Inspection onWednesday, Dec. 18, at Santiago Compound in Brgy. Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan. (Freddie Velez)
“Nakikiusap po tayo sa ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na sana, sa pamamagitan niya, sa kanyang administrasyon, ay matapos na ang review ng Memorandum 31 na ito at nang matulungan natin ang ating mga mamamayang Bulakenyo na makapag-hanapbuhay kasi naniniwala po tayo na ang ating micro and medium enterprises ang magtataas sa kalidad ng ating ekonomiya,”(We are begging our dear President Bongbong Marcos that through him and his administration, the review of this Memorandum 31 will be completed to help Bulakenyo people to have work because we believe that our micro and medium enterprises will help boost our economy)," the governor said.
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the Joint Pyrotechnics Regulatory Board (PRB) and Philippine National Police (PNP) inspected the fireworks stalls in Santiago Compound, Brgy. Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan.
The governor highlighted the provincial government’s thrust to support the fireworks and pyrotechnic industry while maintaining the general public's safety through the slogan “Ingat Paputok” (safe use of fireworks) rather than “Iwas Paputok (avoid fireworks).”
Fernando issued Executive Order No. 40, Series of 2024, supporting the implementation of the “Oplan Ingat Paputok” campaign to promote public safety and regulate the pyrotechnic industry in the province.
The EO states that the Oplan Ingat Paputok will implement a proactive and unified approach, ensure compliance with national laws and regulations, and devise public awareness and education campaigns.
During the inspection, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil guaranteed to the public that they would ensure that all firecrackers and pyrotechnics for manufacture and sale are compliant with the law, protect the industry, and commit to a safe New Year celebration.
“Ang ginagawa ng pulis, hindi lamang po sa daan nag-iinspeksyon, they also inspect doon sa online. Ang Anti-Cybercrime Group po natin, hinahanap po nila ‘yung mga iligal na nagbebenta ng mga paputok online (What the police are doing is not only doing inspection along the road stalls, they also inspect online. Our Anti-Cybercrime Group, they are looking for those who illegally sell fireworks online)," Marbil said.
Civil Security Group Director Maj. Gen. Leo M. Francisco cautioned the public against buying pyrotechnic and fireworks online.
The list of prohibited firecrackers includes Kabase, Bin Laden, Tuna, Kwiton Bomb, Atomic, Pla-pla, Piccolo, Kingkong, Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye Chismosa, Christine, Carina, Ulysses, Yolanda, and Pepito.