In an effort to promote safety during the festive season, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has issued a stern reminder to the public to avoid using 28 types of banned firecrackers. This initiative is part of the enforcement of Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
The list of prohibited firecrackers includes watusi, Piccolo, Poppop, Five Star, Pla-pla, Lolo Thunder, Giant Bawang, Giant Whistle Bomb, Atomic Bomb, Atomic Triangle, large-size Judas Belt, Goodbye Delima, Hello Columbia, Goodbye Napoles, Super Yolanda, Mother Rockets, Kwiton, Super Lolo, Goodbye Bading, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, Coke-in-Can, Pillbox, Kabasi, Special, King Kong, Tuna, and Goodbye Chismosa. Additionally, firecrackers that are overweight or oversized, those with fuses that burn too quickly or too slowly, and those containing mixtures of phosphorous, sulfur, and chlorates are also illegal.
The PNP advises the public to only buy and use fireworks and firecrackers that are certified by the Philippine Standard and sold by registered retailers and dealers. Firecrackers without the necessary permits are also prohibited.
To ensure safety, the police encourage the use of community fireworks displays as a safer alternative. The regional office has mandated all police stations to conduct regular inspections of fireworks vendors and stalls to guarantee safe celebrations during Christmas and New Year.
In designated community fireworks and firecracker zones, approximately 2,500 police officers will be deployed, supported by 687 additional units and 854 advocacy groups. This heightened security measure comes in response to last year’s 32 reported blast injuries, a significant increase from the six cases in 2022, attributed to the first unrestricted holiday celebrations following three years of pandemic restrictions.