As the festive season nears, Davao City’s administration has issued a stern reminder to its citizens about the consequences of breaching the firecracker prohibition. Mayor Sebastian Duterte has called on the community to adhere to the regulations for their own safety. He emphasized the importance of compliance, warning that violators would face fines and jail time. The mayor stated, ‘It’s crucial to obey the law; non-compliance leads to penalties and imprisonment. It’s in your best interest to follow the rules.’ Under City Ordinance 060-02, it is illegal to manufacture, distribute, sell, possess, or use firecrackers and pyrotechnics within the city. Penalties escalate with repeat offenses: first-time offenders may be fined PHP1,000 or imprisoned for 20 to 30 days, or both; second-time offenders face a PHP3,000 fine or one to three months in jail, or both; and third-time offenders could be fined PHP5,000 or imprisoned for three to six months, or both. This ban is a key component of Davao’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and decreasing holiday-related injuries. The ordinance, rigorously enforced over the years, has effectively reduced the number of firecracker-related accidents and fatalities in the city.
