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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nartatez urges LGUs to designate firecracker zones, vows crackdown vs illegal pyrotechnic materials

Nartatez urges LGUs to designate firecracker zones, vows crackdown vs illegal pyrotechnic materials

Published Dec 23, 2025 11:51 am
photo: PNP
photo: PNP
Police Lt. Gen, Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) urged local government units (LGUs) to designate firecracker zones in their respective areas as he ordered all police territorial units to prevent the proliferation of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials.
Nartatez issued the statement during his visit in Bocaue, Bulacan, considered as the country’s fireworks capital, on Dec. 22 as many people have already been using firecrackers as early as the Christmas season and usage is expected to further increase in the days leading up to the New Year.
“We are strictly enforcing the safety standards set by the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) where all firecracker stalls are required to have valid permits, proper storage facilities, and clearly labeled products,” said Nartatez.
“The sale of illegal, oversized, overweight, imported, and unlabeled firecrackers remains prohibited under the law,” he added.
On the other hand, he explained that firecracker zones ensure controlled and safe spaces for the revelry using legal firecrackers.
He said police forces will work together with the security units of the LGUs down to the barangay levels to ensure the safety of everybody and ensure that no illegal firecrackers would be used.
Among the prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are Watusi, Poppup, Pla-pla, Piccolo, Five Star, Giant Bawang, Giant Whistle Bomb, Atomic Bomb, Large-size Judas Belt, Super Lolo, Goodbye Bading, Lolo Thunder, Atomic Triangle and Mother Rockets.
Also banned are Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye Delima, Goodbye Napoles, Coke-In-Can, Bin Laden, Pillbox, Kabasi, Super Yolanda, Boga, Kwiton, Hello Columbia, Tuna, GPH Nuclear Special, Goodbye Chismosa, King Kong, and Dart Bomb.
“The safe celebrations of Christmas and New Year is a shared responsibility. On the part of the Philippine National Police, we will exhaust all measures to prevent the proliferation of illegal firecrackers and ensure police visibility. Let us work together to have safe and meaningful Christmas and New Year celebrations,” said Nartatez.
Nartatez also directed all local police units to intensify intelligence gathering, conduct regular and surprise inspections of stalls, warehouses, and storage areas, and increase visibility patrols in residential communities, public markets, and online platforms where illegal firecrackers are often sold.
He added that police commanders who would fail to enforce these rules will be held accountable.
At the same time, the PNP reiterated its call to the public, especially the youth, to refrain from using illegal firecrackers and to opt for safer alternatives in welcoming the New Year.
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