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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Barangay officials urged to do their share vs illegal firecrackers, indiscriminate firing in New Year revelry

Barangay officials urged to do their share vs illegal firecrackers, indiscriminate firing in New Year revelry

Published Dec 28, 2025 01:09 pm
The Philippine National Police (PNP) urged barangay officials to do their share in keeping the celebration of New Year peaceful and safe amid the rising cases of firecracker injuries days before the actual revelry.
At the same time, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. lauded barangay officials who are using the barangay’s official social media accounts, and even their own, to promote safe celebration of New Year.
While the PNP is doing its efforts to cover every community, the number remains insufficient and the focus right now is strategic deployment and operation against the proliferation of illegal firecrackers.
This is the part that barangay officials would play a crucial role as Nartatez said they are in the better position to ensure the welfare of their constituents.
“Barangay leaders are at the forefront of ensuring that local festivities remain incident-free. We urge them to be proactive in safeguarding their constituents, especially against the use of illegal firecrackers and even firearms during the New Year celebration,” Nartatez said.
Nearly 100 firecracker-related injuries were reported by the Department of Health from Dec. 21 t0 Dec. 27 while the PNP is investigating a case of fatality due to indiscriminate firing in Tondo, Manila.
The injured victims include two minors who suffered finger amputations.
The data, collected from 62 sentinel hospitals, marked a 34 percent decrease compared to 137 cases during the same period last year.
Most injuries occurred in Metro Manila (40 cases), followed by the Ilocos Region (10) and Western Visayas (8). The amputations were caused by five-star and whistle-bomb firecrackers, and most victims were boys aged 10 to 14.
The PNP, through the Firearms and Explosives Office, released a list of prohibited firecrackers.

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.

Nartatez assured the public that the police will strictly enforce regulations against illegal or unsafe firecrackers but reminded them to exercise caution, prioritize safety, and celebrate responsibly to ensure that the New Year is memorable for all the right reasons.
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