MANILA – Secretary Jonvic Remulla of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged local government units (LGUs) to enforce rules and regulations on firecrackers and other pyrotechnics in their respective jurisdictions.
In a memorandum, Remulla called on LGUs to issue ordinances and other regulations banning or discouraging individuals or households from using firecrackers, as prescribed by Executive Order No. 28 series of 2017.
Remulla also said LGUs must restrict the use of firecrackers only to community fireworks displays that have secured necessary permits and conduct information campaigns on the dangers of prohibited fireworks.
The DILG head also instructed the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to ensure that fire exhibition safe zones are guided by the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines.
Remulla, at the same time, directed the Philippine National Police to conduct inspection, confiscation, and destruction of illegal fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.
“The public is also discouraged from patronizing illegal or otherwise hazardous fireworks and using alternative noise-inducing items such as horns, recycled containers, pans, and other common household items,” Remulla added.
He further reminded LGUs to enforce RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 to maintain cleanliness and orderliness in public places during the holiday season./PN
