(FILE PHOTO/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive order No. 28 regulating the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics on Tuesday.
The EO states that “the use of firecrackers shall henceforth be confined to community fireworks display” to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties.
A community fireworks display shall be conducted as part of an event or celebration with professional or trained individuals licensed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in a controlled area and permitted by the local government.
According to the EO, while the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices are part of Filipino tradition, its use must be limited “as there continues to be a substantial number of firecracker-related injuries, even casualties, recorded every year, some involving mere bystanders…”
However, the EO provides that pyrotechnic devices may be used outside community fireworks display, but subject to existing laws and regulations.
The PNP, in coordination with other involved government agencies and local government units, is responsible for the enforcement of the said law.
The EO further directs “the PNP, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Health (DOH) to submit a consolidated report to the Office of the President regarding the implementation of EO 28 within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of the EO and every six (6) months thereafter, including statistics on the victims of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices per municipality or city.”
Davao City, President Duterte’s hometown, has been enforcing total ban of firecrackers and pyrotechnics since 2001. (davaotoday.com)
