The Pasay City government will impose a total ban against the use of firecrackers in celebration of the New Year in the city.
The ban is imposed to help reduce the threat of firecracker-related injuries or even death.
According to Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, the ban is in response to Executve Order No. 28 issued by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, which aims to regulate and control the use of firecrackers for the coming New Year celebrations, a tradition among Filipinos.
“There continues to be a substantial number of firecracker-related injuries, even casualties, recorded every year, some involving mere bystanders, thus the promulgation of stricter national standards, rules and regulations is warranted,” the President said regarding the order.
Mayor Calixto-Rubiano said the ban is in line with the resolution from the National Capital Region Peace and Order Council that recommended the ban against the use of firecrackers in Metro Manila.
The Philippine National Police also said it will not issue any special permits for community fireworks displays in order to prevent mass gatherings and prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“The use of firecrackers shall be banned in all areas within Pasay City during the New Year Celebration,” according to the Pasay City mayor’s executive order.
The mayor added the local government will not issue any special permit “pursuant to the authority provided under Executive Order No. 28, Series of 2017.”
Mayor Calixto-Rubiano also ordered the Pasay City police, even barangay officials, the Pasay Public Order and Safety Unit, and the Pasay City Environment and Natural Environment Office to strictly enforce the ban in the city.
“Persons that violate this order may be arrested and charged under (i) existing sangguniang ordinances; and/or (ii) Sec. 9 of Republic Act No. 11332, which penalizes non-cooperation of person or entities affected by a health event of public concern; and/or (iii) Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person In Authority),” according to the Executive Order.