Quezon City to strictly enforce firecracker ban

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has reminded residents of the prevailing firecracker ban and instead urged them to join the New Year countdown celebration at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Mayor Joy Belmonte directed ordered law enforcement agencies to strictly implement existing measures prohibiting the use of firecrackers in the city.

“The safety and well-being of our households and businesses is paramount. To minimize, if not eliminate, the harm and damage these firecrackers could bring to our people, we remain committed to implementing our national and local laws prohibiting the use, sale and manufacture of dangerous firecrackers,” she said.

Last year, Belmonte issued an executive order allowing fireworks displays only in public places as approved by the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety.

Private households in the city are prohibited from holding fireworks displays and using firecrackers.

In 2017, the city also passed an ordinance limiting the sale of permissible firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. These are the only ones allowed to be used during the authorized public fireworks displays in the city.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) destroyed P400,000 worth of prohibited firecrackers and fireworks yesterday.

QCPD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan led the destruction of around 13,078 firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices at Camp Karingal.

The firecrackers were seized by police officers in 94 law enforcement operations from Dec. 26 to 30.

Among the seized illegal fireworks were piccolo, watusi, 5-star, super lolo and Judas belt. Also included were several Boga improvised cannons made from PVC pipes and tin cans.

There were also firecrackers allowed by the government but were still confiscated as they were sold either online or at stalls that had no permits from the city government.