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.