Firecrackers banned in Munti, LGU
encourages locals to report violators
In
the city of Muntinlupa, all kinds of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are prohibited
and the city government encourages locals to report offenders to authorities.
Through
the City Ordinance 14-092, it is unlawful to manufacture, sell, and use
firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices within the territorial jurisdiction of
Muntinlupa City.
Muntinlupa
Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said that the ordinance was passed to
protect the health of the people and the environment from the harmful effects
of firecrackers.
Navarro
added that the local government targets to lower down statistics of
firecrackers-related injuries this season. Last December 2015 – January 2016,
the City Health Office recorded 13 cases of injuries incurred from Piccolo (6),
Kwitis (2), Five Star (1), Pla Pla (1), and unknown pyrotechnic devices (3).
The
Ospital ng Muntinlupa and other local hospitals are already prepped up for
firecrackers-related cases.
She
said that the Bureau of Fire Protection, Business Permits and Licensing Office,
Public Order and Safety Office, along with barangay counterparts have been conducting
inspections to markets and sidewalks across the city.
Locals
are encouraged to report illegal distribution and use of firecrackers to
authorities in the following hotline numbers: POSO (02) 887-0527 / (0917) 536
8493.
Penalties
for violation of the firecrackers-ban ordinance are as follows: First Offense
(a fine of P1000 or imprisonment of not more than one month), Second Offense (a
fine of P3000 or imprisonment of not more than six months), and for Third
Offense (a fine of P5000 or imprisonment of not more than six months).
Establishments
to be apprehended will have revocation of permit and license to operate in
pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance.
However,
commercial establishments and barangays are allowed to conduct or sponsor “community
fireworks display” in a designated area approved upon prior approval of
authorities for the benefit of city residents.
Mayor
Jaime Fresnedi invites Muntinlupeños to celebrate the New Year using
alternative noise-making equipment and not resort to using firecrackers.
