Munti govt reminds people about firecracker ban

From mb.com.ph:

MANILA, Philippines — The Muntinlupa City government has reminded residents that selling firecrackers is illegal in the city.

The policy is based on the existing Executive Order 14 issued by Mayor Aldrin San Pedro last year, which strictly enforces the firecracker ban in Muntinlupa.

San Pedro said the move aims to protect the public from the dangers of firecrackers, which result to injuries and deaths.

“Every year, many people especially children get maimed or die from firecrackers. The firecracker ban in Muntinlupa aims to prevent this,” the mayor said.

The ban will be enforced by the Muntinlupa police, Public Order and Safety Office, Business Permit and Licensing Office and the City Public Market Office.

The city government no longer issues permits to sellers of firecrackers. Those found guilty of selling firecrackers and pyrotechnics will have their business license revoked.

Dr. Edilinda Patac, city health officer, said that last year, 581 people were injured by firecrackers in Metro Manila citing data from the Department of Health (DoH).

She said the Muntinlupa City government is supporting the DoH’s “APIR” campaign, which stands for “Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction.”

The campaign encourages people to celebrate New Year without using firecrackers.

Some cities in Metro Manila have designated firecracker zones where revelers can light up pyrotechnics.

One of them is Caloocan, where there will be firecracker zones in every barangay.

Mayor Enrico Echiverri, warned that persons caught lighting firecrackers outside the zones will be arrested and charged.

“The implementation of firecracker zones will be done for our own safety, thus I appeal to everyone to follow this directive so that we’ll have worry-free celebration this New Year,” Echiverri said.

The mayor also coordinated the directive with the Councilor Ricojudge “RJ” Echiverri, president of the Liga ng mg Barangay sa Pilipinas, to observe the proper implementation of firecracker zones in their areas.

Echiverri however, announced that government hospitals in Caloocan were prepared to receive firecracker victims and they have stocked up on medical supplies for the New Year revelry.