The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered all police chiefs nationwide to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) in establishing designated centralized markets for firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials, a move aimed at curbing the sale of illegal firecrackers and ensuring public safety ahead of the New Year revelry.
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., acting PNP chief, said the directive comes as firecracker-related injuries continue to rise in the days leading to New Year’s Day.
The Department of Health (DOH) recorded at least 28 cases from December 21 to 25, while the PNP reported a higher tally of 47 injuries from December 16 to 26.
Authorities expect the numbers to increase as celebrations peak.
The PNP also documented one fatality due to a stray bullet and arrested 23 individuals for the illegal sale of firecrackers.
Nartatez explained that concentrating sales in specific areas will allow tighter monitoring of vendors and products, minimizing risks to the public.
“The main purpose is proper regulation and public safety. By designating a specific area in every town or city where people could buy firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials, we can easily monitor and prevent the selling of illegal firecrackers,” he said in a statement on Friday, Dec. 26.
Police chiefs nationwide were instructed to work with LGUs in identifying safe locations and setting the allowable period for selling firecrackers. Designated areas will have visible police presence, in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), with firetrucks and emergency responders on standby to immediately address any untoward incident.
Nartatez stressed that centralized selling areas will make it easier to strictly inspect vendors and products.
“Mas madali naming matukoy kung alin ang legal at alin ang illegal na paputok. Kapag may designated firecracker zone, any sale outside that area will be considered unauthorized. Outside the zone, bawal,” he said. (Martin Sadongdong)
