Several fireworks shoppers from Region 3, Metro Manila, and other areas in Luzon flocked to the firecracker center in Bocaue, Bulacan, on Tuesday, Dec. 31, to buy fireworks in preparation for the New Year's Eve celebration.

According to the fireworks store owners, the sales are quite good because the price is lower than in 2023.

They expect a price increase a few hours before the New Year celebration before the suppliers run out of stock. 

Meanwhile, Governor Daniel R. Fernando directed the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) to intensify the crackdown against banned firecrackers, including smuggled imported ones.

Fernando instructed the BPPO to strictly enforce the implementation of Republic Act 7183 otherwise known as the “Firecracker Law” and should arrest unscrupulous traders selling banned killer types of firecrackers and regularly inspect fireworks shops and stalls to ensure they are strictly complying with the safety guidelines and other salient provisions of the law.

Fernando said the police should ensure that local manufacturers and dealers are complying with its provisions, particularly the safety guidelines to ensure public safety and at the same time, protect the local fireworks industry.

“As mandated by the law, the PNP should strengthen the implementation of monitoring and seizing the smuggled imported fireworks. Those illegal firecrackers are usually the cause of the incident," the Bulacan governor said.

Col. Satur L Ediong said the Bulacan Police strictly watch firecracker stores and that they would immediately padlock the dealers' shops if found or caught selling killer types of firecrackers and could be charged with illegal possession of explosives.

The Bulacan police director urged the revelers not to buy the killer type of firecrackers like “Goodbye Philippines“, “Pla-Pla”, “Super Lolo”, and the like contain gunpowder or explosive ingredients similar to dynamite and other types of powerful explosives.

“These deadly types of firecrackers can kill or maim and can destroy properties with the impact of a dynamite blast. We know that these banned types of deadly noisemakers are favorites of some revelers who wanted to greet the New Year with a loud bang in a dangerous manner," Ediong said.

“People can celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year without using killer types of firecrackers. Many safe pyrotechnics devices can be bought, the no smoking and no testing policy will be strictly enforced as well as the provision on zoning," he added. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded the manufacturers and dealers to sell only fireworks that have passed quality standards and bear the DTI-approved seal or stickers.