ICPO to public: Avoid use of illegal firecrackers
By Mary Joy Cavañas
To ensure a safe holiday season, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) through its head, Police Colonel (PCol.) Kim Legada, has warned the public against the use of illegal and banned firecrackers during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Legada issued the warning, following the release of the list of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices under the Executive Order (EO) No. 28 and Republic Act (RA) No. 7183 or Firecrackers Law, aiming to monitor and regulate the manufacturing, selling, distribution, and use of firecrackers, and to avoid or minimize injuries caused by them.
The list of prohibited and banned firecrackers composed of Watusi, Piccolo, Poppop, Five Star (Big), Pla-Pla, Lolo Thunder, Giant Bawang, Giant Whistle Bomb, Special, Atomic Bomb, Atomic Triangle, Large Size Judas Belt, Goodbye Delima, Hello Columbia, Goodbye Napoles, Super Yolanda, Mother Rockets, King Kong, Kwiton, Super Lolo, Goodbye Bading, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, Coke-in-Can, Pillbox, Kabasi, Tuna, Goodbye Chismosa, Dart Bomb, GPH Nuclear and Boga.
As PNP campaigns against the use of illegal fireworks to avoid harm and prevent injuries, Legada stressed that those who will break RA 7183 shall be penalized, with fines of ₱20,000 to ₱30,000 and/or serve a jail time of up to one year.
Station commanders have also been ordered to strictly monitor, and make sure that only the firecrackers that come from licensed makers, registered dealers, and retailers are sold in markets.
“We need everyone’s cooperation to ensure safety. Let us celebrate the holidays safely and securely by using alternative noise-makers to avoid injuries and threats to personal lives and public safety,” Legada said.
Legada also urged the public to buy and use fireworks and firecrackers that are Philippine-standard certified to avoid harmful incidents during the holiday season.
Likewise, he encouraged the adoption of alternative ways to celebrate the New Year—such as watching fireworks displays, creating festive sounds through audio systems, or honking car horns, among others.
